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.

2,981 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 1 OWNER / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/

£14,595

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

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

£21,750

1.5L
28.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Melton Mowbray

01664490868 *

BMW 1 Series(22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,300

13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£14,493

Finance available £301 pm

2L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£28,795

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goscote Services

01164785112 *

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

Reduced

£5,290

Finance available £96 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,200

Finance available £116 pm

2L
89.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£19,899

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Aylesbury Ford

01296325843 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£34,995

2L
5.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£14,995

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JP Motor Trade Ltd

01582280278 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Reduced

£18,080

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£11,895

1.5L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,607

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
12.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Renault Retail Group Romford

01708973748 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
113.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SmartBuyMotors Ltd

01443809176 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MH Car Sales Oxford Ltd

01993463440 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,700

1.5L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,849

Finance available £478 pm

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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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