BMW 1 Series 2020 review
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The third-generation BMW 1 Series — the F40, on sale from September 2019 — committed the heresy BMW purists feared: it ditched rear-wheel drive for front-wheel drive. Built on the UKL2 platform shared with the MINI, it gained 33mm of rear legroom and a boot up 20 litres to 380, at the cost of the old car's handling balance. The 118i opened at £24,430.
The UK range centres on the 1.5 three-cylinder 118i (140bhp, 0-62 in 8.5 seconds, up to 49.6mpg), with the 2.0 diesel 118d (150bhp, around 60mpg) for high-mileage drivers, the 120d xDrive (190bhp, all-wheel drive) and the M135i xDrive flagship: 306bhp, 450Nm and 0-62 in 4.8 seconds from £36,430.
The F40 earned five Euro NCAP stars in October 2019 and carries BMW's three-year unlimited-mileage warranty. It remains one of the sharpest-driving hatches in its class, even if enthusiasts say it lost some of the old car's steering feel.
Used values in 2026 start around £11,000–£13,000 for early 118is and £17,000–£20,000 for the M135i. All 2020 cars are out of factory warranty now, so insist on full BMW or specialist service history. Check iDrive 7 is running current software, diesels have motorway miles behind them, and M135is are unmodified — mapped cars and worn 360mm M brakes are the red flags.
UK price from: £24,430
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged petrol (B38) |
| Power | 140 bhp |
| Torque | 220 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 132 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 43.5-49.6 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 114-129 g/km |
| Boot space | 380 litres (1,200 litres seats folded) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2019) |
| Insurance group | 19-36 (range) |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage |
Features
- 118i 1.5 turbo petrol: 140bhp, 220Nm, 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds
- 118d diesel: 150bhp, ~60.1mpg WLTP — the long-distance choice
- M135i xDrive: 306bhp, 450Nm, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds
- Front-wheel drive standard; xDrive AWD on 120d and M135i
- 380-litre boot (1,200 litres seats folded)
- 5-star Euro NCAP (October 2019)
- Three-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- 8-speed Steptronic auto on 120d/M135i; 6MT or 7-speed DCT on 118i
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £42.99 | Pattern part; typical retail |
| Oil filter | £11.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £21.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £16.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £19.99 | |
| 12V battery | £149.99 | AGM; start-stop cars need registration |
Pros
- Still one of the sharpest-driving premium hatches
- Proven B38/B47 engines shared across BMW and MINI
- Five-star NCAP and class-leading practicality (380L boot)
- M135i is a lot of pace and kit for used money
- Euro 6 across the range — all versions ULEZ compliant
Cons
- FWD switch disappoints BMW purists; steering feel diluted
- Occasional iDrive 7 glitches — check the software is current
- 7-speed DCT can shunt at low speed in town
- Run-flat tyres ride firmly and cost more to replace
