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.

3,027 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d Sport 5-Door

£5,999

2L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £455 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 2.0 118I SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,490

2L
39.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£21,395

Finance available £419 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

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

£6,390

Finance available £120 pm

1.5L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,980

Finance available £224 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,380

Finance available £248 pm

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,495

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Bristol North

01173701262 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£14,350

Finance available £202 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

KZ Autos Ltd

02476939692 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,995

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

MB Car Sales

01480273969 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

£10,666

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
97.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,900

Finance available £439 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SOUTH HAMS AUTOS LTD

01364700699 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Otley Road Motors

01274888456 *

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 120i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

2L
66.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Landmark Motors LTD

01375803848 *

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

£34,995

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

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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