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.

2,990 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£30,494

Finance available £606 pm

2L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro pk]

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (N) - 120i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,998

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2015 BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i Sport Petrol Automatic 5-Door Hatchback Red.

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,250

1.6L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 120i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
127.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,790

Finance available £528 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£18,995

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Whin House Cars Limited

01138875334 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Automatic

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,399

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
28.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118I M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,490

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,490

2L
125.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£27,991

Finance available £554 pm

2L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,990

3L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

D&d Motors LTD

01156848934 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,489

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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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