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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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 Series2015 (15) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Poynton Prestige Motors LTD

01616944741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jagland Empire Ltd

01422412387 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,000

Finance available £417 pm

2L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Paveway Car Sales Ltd

01616721955 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 2.0 118i M Sport Convertible 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

ELITE SERVICING & VEHICLE SALES LTD

01473356712 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£11,895

1.5L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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

£6,500

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 125d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bob Basted Car Sales

01603567767 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

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

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116D M Sport 5dr

£5,800

Finance available £107 pm

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

Low Mileage

£19,990

3L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Liverpool

01515592199 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d SE 5dr (SAT NAV, HEATED SEATS)

£14,988

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,677

Finance available £152 pm

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,350

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Simple Car Sales Ltd

01539769118 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,994

Finance available £112 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (07) - 2.0 118i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
88.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,150

Finance available £48 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Autoselect

01482428561 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£43,990

Finance available £883 pm

2L
3.4K
Miles
Petrol
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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