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.

3,134 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,990

2L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,490

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,199

1.5L
133.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trader

01215160863 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
55.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Selection LTD

01285701754 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RD Motors Ltd

01708973724 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,998

1.5L
44.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,995

17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE 5-door

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

OB Motors

01495367091 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,850

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£3,475

1.5L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hanli Motors Ltd

01143089071 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.5L
94.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RP Motors

02380017198 *

BMW 1 Series(71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,250

20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£35,911

2L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£19,298

1.5L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118D Sport Auto 5dr

£15,000

Finance available £260 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 125i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,495

2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ace Autos

01234987597 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£16,489

2L
96.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,792

1.5L
3.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £286 pm

3L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

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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