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.

2,890 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120D Sport 5dr

£4,150

Finance available £70 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£17,750

Finance available £344 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps) - M SPORT B

£22,776

Finance available £457 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Gpf Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

£9,495

1.5L
69.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,299

1.5L
21.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,645

2L
108.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars

02475105174 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.5L
102.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTO UK

01484248051 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,495

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118i M Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,350

Finance available £75 pm

2L
57.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

R-M Motors

01283241527 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr Step Auto (LCP)

£23,990

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d M-SPORT 3 DOOR 6 SPEED 114 BHP (EURO 6)

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashington Autodrome

01670336672 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,202

Finance available £445 pm

1.5L
9.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,999

1.5L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lakeside Car Sales Ltd

01527911363 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

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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