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.

2,923 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,789

Finance available £174 pm

1.5L
102.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DJH Prestige And Sports

01216615564 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d M-SPORT 3 DOOR 6 SPEED 114 BHP (EURO 6)

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashington Autodrome

01670336672 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,945

2L
20.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£5,388

Finance available £98 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stoke Motorz ltd

01782389384 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOTRUST LTD

01708205221 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,991

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Riverside Volvo Hull

01482249187 *

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

£14,490

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 Performance Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 118i Sport+ Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5DR Hatch Petrol

Low Mileage

£21,489

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
16.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,200

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£33,745

2L
6.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

Low Mileage

£14,495

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

W18 Cars

01282501740 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Pro pk]

£25,199

Finance available £530 pm

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£17,650

Finance available £342 pm

1.5L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£21,444

Finance available £420 pm

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto-LOVELY EXAMPLE-FINISHED IN BLACK SAPPHI

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

3L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carselect1.com

01563593226 *

4.8/5 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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