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.

3,055 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto2000 Prestige Cars

02037808184 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Reduced

£22,000

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (57) - 2.0 120d SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,899

2L
90.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

I BROTHERS CARS LTD

02039377589 *

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

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£11,600

1.5L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,499

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bassetts Honda Swansea

01792940530 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,351

Finance available £142 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

W T MOTOR CARS LIMITED

01773302782 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr £35 TAX

£4,795

2L
121.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

YZ AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01282501693 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (99) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,100

Finance available £136 pm

1.5L
75.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£31,250

Finance available £621 pm

2L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

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 Series2014 - 120d SE 5-Door

£6,495

2L
97.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Powells Motors Ltd

01709919677 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,250

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116d Performance Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,950

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S I Motors Ltd

01277286681 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,989

Finance available £290 pm

3L
66.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

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

£16,700

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,998

1.5L
48.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Winsford)

01606531928 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,789

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

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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