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

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Hunters

01621733521 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

£29,495

Finance available £662 pm

2L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,900

Finance available £450 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,520

2L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

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

£20,800

Finance available £407 pm

1.5L
28.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,900

Finance available £594 pm

1.5L
2.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,444

Finance available £77 pm

1.5L
128.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mountbatten Car Sales

01454800277 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

£25,499

Finance available £536 pm

1.5L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£14,299

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

£18,600

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,954

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,949

Finance available £302 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RJ CARS

01293228303 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Carlisle)

01228522423 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Reduced

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 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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