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.

2,941 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118i ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Reduced

£4,957

2L
71.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,795

Finance available £366 pm

3L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,200

Finance available £183 pm

1.5L
66.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Bristol North

01173701262 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,190

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
30.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,990

2L
4.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 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 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) - MISANO

£14,991

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
91.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
115.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 120i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

Reduced

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMRM Cars Ltd

01992666288 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.6 120i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (177 ps)

£7,395

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Walmersleys Trade Centre

01614139856 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 (56) - 118D SE 5-Door

Reduced

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
168.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 116d SE DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,790

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,895

Finance available £243 pm

1.5L
45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RL Cars

01555700871 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 116i Edition ES 5dr ulez

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Y S Motors

01494928876 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.6L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

W R Car Sales Limited

01274087616 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£34,843

2L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 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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