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 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£10,499

1.5L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

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

£21,600

Finance available £423 pm

1.5L
26.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,270

2L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,950

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£17,499

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr ++ 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£16,000

2L
29.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 116d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Russell Cooper Low Mileage Cars and Vans

01635884970 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 116d Sport 5 door

Low Mileage

£2,595

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

New York Car Sales

01709288262 *

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

Reduced

£18,980

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£17,699

Finance available £373 pm

3L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d Sport (LCP) 5drAuto (SAT NAV. PRIVACY GLASS)

Low Mileage

£21,488

2L
15.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,965

Finance available £66 pm

1.6L
86.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ROSSENDALE MOTORS LTD

01706586855 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,688

Finance available £152 pm

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

IK UNIQUE MOTORZ LTD

01782367054 *

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

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,250

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

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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