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.

2,730 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£23,499

Finance available £487 pm

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
80.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FIDA MOTORS LIMITED

01279215830 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Woods New Forest Ltd

01590637902 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Eminent Motor Group

01614700240 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,849

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
45.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,600

Finance available £305 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (RU) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

3L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Car Sales Ltd

01772285710 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

MB Car Sales

01480273969 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 118d M Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JD Motors Ltd

01229260010 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,000

1.5L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) 5dr DCT

£19,500

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£14,995

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series118D M SPORT 5DR STEP AUTO

£20,177

29.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Birmingham

01217525804 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d M Sport Steptronic Euro 4 2dr

Reduced

£2,990

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,300

Finance available £417 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 118d ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,990

2L
98.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Carmichael Cars

02890023196 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 125d M SPORT 5-Door

£10,749

Finance available £218 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Find-My-Car.co.uk

01174404908 *

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

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.

View guides

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros