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.

3,043 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£27,950

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£17,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118I SE 5DR Manual

Reduced

£9,481

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Daniel Maxwell Car Sales

01614139879 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£26,088

2L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Steve Newman Car Sales

01704337332 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,999

Finance available £455 pm

1.5L
18.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,795

2L
113.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

100

Low Mileage

£25,790

Finance available £509 pm

2L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Redgate Lodge

01916077194 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BEN HODGSON CARS LTD

01228273236 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NAC MANCHESTER LTD

01612417467 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

1.5L
3.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,800

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SM Auto Sales

02890026930 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,400

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WRC Sales Limited

01228588371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
40.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Roy Hanna Motors

02894338774 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

£20,509

Finance available £418 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 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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