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.

2,941 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
62.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clear Car Group Ltd

01616696927 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,325

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i Shadow Edition 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

3L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,499

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,499

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,700

1.5L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,900

Finance available £676 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£36,800

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,099

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

CB Autos UK Ltd

01793268067 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,895

Finance available £276 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 1 OWNER / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,698

1.5L
8.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£18,495

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
64.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sheffield Car Centre Ltd

01144786513 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d Sport (LCP) 5drAuto (SAT NAV. PRIVACY GLASS)

Low Mileage

£21,488

2L
15.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,789

Finance available £174 pm

1.5L
102.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DJH Prestige And Sports

01216615564 *

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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