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.

2,923 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MH Car Sales Oxford Ltd

01993463440 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto + SAT NAV / 7 BMW SERVICES / 35 TAX / ULEZ +

Low Mileage

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,589

Finance available £259 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - HEA

Low Mileage

£20,521

Finance available £410 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,500

1.5L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) 8.8in Display

£12,990

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£9,988

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,250

1.5L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Reduced

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.5L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 123d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,399

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SWIFT MOTORS STOKE

01782917215 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,298

1.5L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Grangemouth Hyundai

01324465374 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£12,695

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,790

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,792

Finance available £550 pm

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

Reduced

£3,981

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
104.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£16,784

1.5L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Vauxhall Knaresborough

01423396245 *

4.5/5 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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