My wife started with a 1.9d A3, then moved onto the 118d BMW.
A3 was very nice... but the 1series is LOVELY... Feels great to drive, even though it is a diesel. So the petrol's must be great!
When we sold the A3, she wanted another one, but the 1series were coming up just as cheap, so we risked one and she loves it.
ONE THING TO THINK ABOUT WITH THE BMW's!!!!!
The rear Diffs tend to go. Ours did about 2 months after having it About £1200 to sort (£900 for a refurb'd one from BMW)
Apparently quite a weak spot on them...
Can't recommend the 1series enough.