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.

2,919 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,295

Finance available £417 pm

3L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£24,992

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW 1 Series1.6 Petrol 116i SE Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S L Cars

01985800653 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£19,082

Finance available £412 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,433

Finance available £580 pm

2L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,250

Finance available £229 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,199

1.5L
105.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,475

Finance available £122 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Van Centre Bury

01618048245 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,550

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£19,514

1.5L
54.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Citroen Derby

01332318535 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5l 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

£16,499

1.5L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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

£22,600

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 4 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Noble Motors

01256268407 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) Autom

Low Mileage

£24,695

Finance available £487 pm

1.5L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
122.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Roy Needham Cars

01226448496 *

4.7/5 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.

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