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.

3,231 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oasis Cars Ltd

01474556253 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d M Sport 2dr CONVERTIBLE

Reduced

£4,495

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

C A C Cars

01480597477 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135I Xdrive 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,749

Finance available £570 pm

2L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.5L
70.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wise Auto Ltd

02038737355 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

3L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PX Motors Ltd

01924669032 *

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

£20,349

Finance available £424 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AMS Cars

01992367189 *

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

£5,990

121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£10,575

Finance available £214 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£33,000

2L
6.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,299

Finance available £208 pm

2L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nova Motor Group

01915005812 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

£27,715

1.5L
8.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ace Autos

01234987597 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car Nation Bourne

01480597473 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,450

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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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