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.

2,918 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£17,895

1.5L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

King Street Motor Company

01782917189 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118d SE 5dr

£9,695

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) Autom

£20,695

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,991

Finance available £134 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£27,999

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)+NEW SHAPE+

£21,490

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
127.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 125i M Sport 2-Door

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

3L
88.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Couston Motor Company

01383347938 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£23,500

Finance available £406 pm

2L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

£21,849

Finance available £456 pm

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Tullyroad Motors

02890023743 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Flat Out Cars Limited

01256638559 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 (06) - 120d Sport 12 Months Mot 5-Door

£1,295

2L
14.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sour Motors

01613887661 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Walsall Car Centre Ltd

01922665484 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,198

Finance available £435 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Bury St Edmunds

01284331263 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,800

Finance available £520 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,292

Finance available £163 pm

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AM Car Solutions Limited

01543229540 *

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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