Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 1 Series?

The older 118d diesel powertrain has been among the most popular, but it isn't available in the newer models. This diesel engine had a good balance of value and power, rated at 148bhp. The most popular petrol engine is the 118i, likely because it's the entry level in the lineup, making it the most affordable to buy.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

The new 1 Series comes in five trims: SE, Sport, 128ti, M Sport and M135i. The M Sport is among the most popular in the used market because of its upgraded performance and styling features, including upgraded suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and special 'M' trim detailing.

Is the BMW 1 Series a good family car?

Even though it's a compact hatchback, the BMW 1 Series is a good car for families. While it can be tight for adults in the rear seat, there's plenty of room for children, and ISOFIX points are included for child seats.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 1 Series?

BMW hasn't fitted a hybrid powertrain to the 1 Series yet. It has only been offered with traditional petrol and diesel engines.

Is the BMW 1 Series available as an automatic?

The 1 Series has been available as an automatic and with a manual gearbox. Both of these are popular among the used models, so it should be easy for customers to find the example that suits their needs.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

The BMW 1 Series started as a rear-wheel drive car. It was later reconfigured to have front-wheel drive as standard. The top specification M135i is equipped with all-wheel drive, as are some variants of the 120d. Look out for cars badged as xDrive - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.

2,910 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,895

1.5L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£22,600

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d SE Sports Hatch (s/s) 5dr

£5,789

Finance available £107 pm

2L
167.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 120d xDrive Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,699

Finance available £172 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£21,999

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,600

1.5L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£14,995

1.5L
53.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Moto Smart Limited

01225985553 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£26,799

Finance available £576 pm

2L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£18,634

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,599

Finance available £415 pm

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual-FINISHED IN GLACIER SILVER CLO

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£25,498

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,795

1.5L
100.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,700

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Why buy a used BMW 1 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, fun to drive and stylish, then a used BMW 1 Series is a fantastic choice. With BMW build quality, a used 1 Series provides luxury motoring at an affordable price. The interior offers supportive seating, high-tech features and upscale materials that provide a refined driving experience.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Economical diesels
Fun to drive
Excellent build quality

Cons

Lack of hybrid/electric model
Limited cabin and boot space
Firm ride

Read our BMW 1 Series review

BMW 1 Series video review

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Used BMW 1 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

The BMW 1 Series has been available with petrol and diesel engines, a manual or an automatic gearbox, and rear, front or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5-litre 118i produces 134bhp for a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds and an efficiency rating of up to 49.6mpg. This is the most popular engine.
2.0-litre 128ti boosts the output to 261bhp, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and an efficiency rating of 40.9mpg.
3.0-litre M135i tops the range with 315bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds, but the efficiency drops to 35mpg.

Diesel

1.5-litre 116d makes 114bhp for a 10-second 0-60mph time and a rating of up to 62.8mpg.
2.0-litre 120d outputs 187bhp to reduce the 0-62mph time to 7.3 seconds, while still maintaining efficiency of up to 57.6mpg.
Older 118d creates 147bhp and was one of the most popular options.

Practicality

Despite being a compact car, the 1 Series hatchback provides a surprising amount of room, making it practical for everyday driving.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive and offer a lot of room.
Rear seats can be tight for adults on long drives.
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are easy to access.

Boot space

380-litre boot compares with the Audi A3.
Folding the rear seats down opens up 1,200 litres of room.
Available 40:20:40 split folding seats allow for the middle seat to be folded independently.

Bodystyles

Five-door hatchback has been the main body style since its introduction.
Three-door hatchback was discontinued after the second generation.
Two-door coupé was available for part of the first generation, later joining the 2 Series lineup.
Two-door convertible was only available during the first generation, but later became part of the 2 Series lineup.

Safety

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating given in 2019.
87% rating for child occupant and an 83% adult occupant rating.
Standard safety kit includes parking sensors (front and rear), cruise control and LED headlights.

Technology

10.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional driver display matches the 3 Series.
Larger 10.3-inch infotainment system display replaced the smaller 8.8-inch model.
Available wireless device charging.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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