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.

2,922 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Kays Automotive Ltd

01215160982 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
84.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,970

Finance available £451 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 116d Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DAMIEN BETTS

01924664730 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,795

2L
4.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kelvin Way Motors

01217288894 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 116i ES 5dr [122]

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ARVP Group LTD

02475103329 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,989

Finance available £178 pm

1.5L
47.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.5L
95.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Castle Motors Bedfordshire Ltd

01582344590 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,775

Finance available £447 pm

2L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr + 7 BMW SERVICES / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / 65.7 MPG

£5,475

Finance available £100 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

£20,200

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
30.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£19,100

Finance available £413 pm

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£35,500

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,746

Finance available £240 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Distinct Motors Ltd

01618048207 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,300

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,440

1.5L
39.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,780

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
50.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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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