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.

3,325 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£18,000

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
51.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,795

Finance available £448 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120D M SPORT HATCHBACK 5DR DIESEL STEP AUTO. TECH / PRO PACK. 190BHP EU

£19,450

Finance available £379 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Leicester Van Centre

01164787047 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d BluePerformance SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,290

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Martyns Car Sales

01932687838 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 5dr

£1,695

2L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oak Street Cars

01603931802 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116d SE 3dr

£1,550

2L
172.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DNJ Cars

01462416966 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

£15,995

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pentagon SEAT (Nottingham Chilwell)

01158384690 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£11,498

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kayenn Group LTD T/A Kayenn Prestige

01616694594 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandiforths

01909498742 *

BMW 1 Series2007 - 2.0 118d M Sport 3 door

Reduced

£1,790

2L
102.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carnections

01708947004 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

S B Cars

01784776677 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carnet Car Sales

02828440678 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135 xDrive

£22,489

2L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

The Motor Brokers

01922661947 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,199

Finance available £161 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,995

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Canfield Garage

01371700436 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£16,795

1.5L
66.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

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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