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.

2,981 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,153

Finance available £496 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shelbourne Autoselect

02838299034 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,781

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,795

Finance available £407 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jackson Car Sales

01362700945 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,498

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 118i M Sport 3dr ++ NAV / LEATHER / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£9,375

Finance available £187 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,800

Finance available £268 pm

2L
48.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 120d Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£20,082

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) BMW SERVIC

Low Mileage

£12,795

1.5L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

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

£30,495

Finance available £606 pm

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,500

Finance available £401 pm

3L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Land Auto West Ltd

01217286913 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,799

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (66) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£11,595

Finance available £237 pm

1.5L
60.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d ED Plus 5-Door

Reduced

£5,699

Finance available £105 pm

1.5L
110.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,400

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Aberdeen

01224678298 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£21,649

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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

£17,150

Finance available £303 pm

1.5L
66.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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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