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.

2,982 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Reduced

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.5L
122.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,791

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
42.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Daniel Alexander Motor Group

01482296165 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Parkwood Cars Ltd

01566700824 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOTRUST LTD

01708205221 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,450

Finance available £144 pm

2L
66.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MEBTRONIC LTD

01733666891 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
73.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers Of Yorkshire

01977800666 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 2.0 M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 SeriesM135i

£21,995

58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£28,446

2L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,865

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
55.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

£21,950

Finance available £430 pm

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£10,995

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 M Sport Convertible 2dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Affordable Cars Of Kent

01634957989 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car-Nection

01254919245 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

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

£20,300

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto, BMW 140 LOOKALIKE STUNNING

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Alvertstone Motors Ltd

01379774454 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,460

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elton Cars Ltd

01733666869 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£19,299

Finance available £409 pm

1.5L
45.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto -FULL SERVICE HISTORY-

£6,290

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasshoughton Car Sales

01977803305 *

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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