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.

3,027 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
41.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,900

Finance available £341 pm

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,439

Finance available £728 pm

1.5L
250.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,599

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£4,296

1.5L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Flash Carz

01753387047 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,750

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£12,490

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£19,998

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Glasgow)

01414736424 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
58.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

3L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carter and Haines

01244562742 *

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

£8,986

Finance available £193 pm

1.5L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,650

Finance available £126 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,499

Finance available £401 pm

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01273121210 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,491

1.5L
80.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,989

Finance available £178 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,384

Finance available £187 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

3L
118.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,500

2L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,690

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenwood Motors Ltd

01274028389 *

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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