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.

2,936 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£26,490

2L
48.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£26,000

1.5L
3.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,700

Finance available £449 pm

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,545

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£30,494

Finance available £606 pm

2L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£19,200

Finance available £325 pm

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d SE 5dr Warranty

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
133.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224 ps)

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

X AUTOHAUS

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,850

Finance available £332 pm

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S AND T MOTOR CO LTD

01913002236 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,895

1.5L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 Petrol Automatic 5dr 5 Seats

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

TM UK TRADING LTD Birmingham

02038895331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£26,490

2L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£17,869

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£20,799

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 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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