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.

2,974 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
63.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurmaston Used Car Centre

01162165842 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Exclusive Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143

Low Mileage

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (64) - 116I 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Red Motors

02039899396 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£18,415

2L
68.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,290

1.5L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,700

Finance available £244 pm

1.5L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MERIT MOTORS LTD

01204324385 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M SPORT FIVE DOOR DCT AUTO 135 BHP SAT NAV + HEATED LEATHER 5-Door

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GTS Automotive Ltd

01254947688 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

£19,499

1.5L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Hawick

01450390326 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £523 pm

2L
13.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BEN HARRISON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01202052313 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
105.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Nation Ltd

01945664291 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,490

3L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenwood Motors Ltd

01274028389 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i SE 5dr

£2,190

1.6L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Evelyn Motors

01217288696 *

1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£21,500

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,672

2L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

£22,550

1.5L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,790

1.5L
114.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Buckley Trade Centre

01352871794 *

4.7/5 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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