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 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
100.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Burton Car Centre

01134676319 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
88.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Park Road Auto Sales

01495365496 *

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 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport 5dr (LCP)(SAT NAV, HALF LEATHER)

Reduced

£17,488

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,900

Finance available £154 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 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 (12) - 118D SPORT PLUS EDITION 2-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Purbrook Motor Company

02392006050 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE NAV Hatchback Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Diesel Manuasel Manual (116 ps)

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TOP RIGHT CAR CENTRE

01913001768 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

WMA VEHICLE HIRE AND SALES LIMITED

01913002068 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 3.0 125i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 5 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Richmond Motor Company

01592808546 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,900

Finance available £177 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,550

Finance available £124 pm

1.6L
54.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£20,750

Finance available £406 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£23,989

1.5L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RJ CARS

01293228303 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Inmotion Automotive Group

01200407221 *

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.

View guides

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