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.

3,038 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,199

1.6L
99.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mondial Easy Buy

02038928670 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,000

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trunk Road Budget Cars

01642061101 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) - AI

Low Mileage

£19,726

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£19,898

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 118D M SPORT 2-Door

£5,999

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£30,638

2L
4.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,998

1.5L
60.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£8,199

Finance available £161 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K Motors London Ltd

02037587409 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,795

Finance available £366 pm

3L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,332

Finance available £418 pm

1.5L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d Sport 3-Door

£5,495

2L
97.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

R L Motor Services

01752987299 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

Low Mileage

£19,495

3L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Liverpool

01515592199 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (57) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,950

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LD Automotive LTD

01506531840 *

BMW 1 Series(16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

£11,995

3L
130.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Misbourne Motor Group

01494296061 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120i SE COUPE 2 DOOR. (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series(65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,490

59.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,950

Finance available £656 pm

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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.

View guides

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