BMW 1-Series Coupé (07 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 16 January 2009
Entry-level BMW motoring gets the wow factor with the arrival of the 1-Series Coupe. It takes over the slot vacated by the popular 3-Series Coupe, which has moved further upmarket. It's not the best looking coupe around and lacks the svelte lines of alternatives like the Audi TT, but that doesn't prevent it from being great to drive - just like the standard 1-Series hatchback. Two petrol and two diesel engines are available but all cars come with BMW's fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics system, while performance is strong whichever model you choose. The result is a winning recipe that delivers the type of drive expected by enthusiasts in a distinctively styled package.
4.5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Both diesel models (when fitted with the standard manual gearbox) feature auto stop start, a system that cuts out the engine when the car is stationary and out of gear in order to save fuel. The Efficient Dynamics system trims fuel costs further with brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. Even the flaps behind the front grille help improve efficiency by staying closed until the engine is warm. As a result, all versions of the Coupe boast strong economy in addition to traditional strong BMW residual values. Values of 123d versions with average mileage should be 50% after three years.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,427 - £2,116 *

Diesel

£1,034 - £1,282 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    118
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
    224
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The 1-Series performs well on the eco front, especially when you take into account the performance on offer. Even the top 135i model is capable of 31mpg with both the standard manual and optional automatic gearbox. But the greenest model is easily the 120d - this is capable of an impressive 59mpg while emitting just 128g/km of CO2, proving that BMWs Efficient Dynamics system is the best fuel saving programme around.

Find the exact engine and CO2