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 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,970

Finance available £410 pm

3L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,460

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elton Cars Ltd

01733666869 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

£12,990

1.5L
68.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d 2.0 Diesel Sport 5-Door From £3,695 + Retail Package

Reduced

£3,695

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
58.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

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

£13,790

Finance available £286 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£32,450

2L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,250

Finance available £560 pm

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Broomhill Car Sales

01803226597 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,895

Finance available £253 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

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

£22,264

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,995

3L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d M Sport Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Reduced

£2,450

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,246

1.5L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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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