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.

2,982 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2016 BMW 120d sport start/stop ulez compliant £35 road tax 5-Door

£6,893

Finance available £132 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GPS Transporters

01280730894 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,299

Finance available £444 pm

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Automatic

Reduced

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£9,375

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 120i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,600

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

£21,429

Finance available £443 pm

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£18,995

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,759

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Edgware

02038934224 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Of Essex Ltd

01992367362 *

5/5 Stars

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

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Motorstore Bangor

02891638497 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,300

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i Sport 3-Door

£6,488

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

1.5L
62.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Adam Auto Sales Limited

01143089075 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

£2,445

2L
94.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

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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