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.

2,931 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,183

Finance available £369 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,998

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,470

2L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed SALVAGE REPAIRED 5-Door

Reduced

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

01280733612 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport 2-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport Coupe 2-Door

£2,500

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Widowhill Cars

01282506567 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,200

1.5L
65.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JC Select Perth

01738501971 *

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

£13,305

Finance available £281 pm

1.5L
97.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£18,470

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£13,780

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
41.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,495

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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

£25,599

Finance available £538 pm

2L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,900

Finance available £450 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,250

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 118d ES Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,995

2L
157.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oak Street Cars

01603931802 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,847

1.5L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Clitheroe

01200409818 *

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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