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.

3,048 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,440

1.5L
39.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,990

2L
100.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,799

Finance available £311 pm

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro pk]

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,270

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£14,970

2L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£14,777

2L
44.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Nottingham

01156977745 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£20,799

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,589

Finance available £259 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 116i Edition ES 5dr ulez

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Y S Motors

01494928876 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,500

1.5L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,789

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,990

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORFAX CAR SALES LIMITED

01422410534 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Automatic

£8,995

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro/Tech pk] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,009

1.5L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M SPORT FIVE DOOR DCT AUTO 135 BHP SAT NAV + HEATED LEATHER 5-Door

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GTS Automotive Ltd

01254947688 *

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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