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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£22,198

Finance available £435 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Bury St Edmunds

01284331263 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,975

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£27,324

2L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,499

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

£29,672

2L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,150

Finance available £48 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Autoselect

01482428561 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 2018 Bmw 1 Series 118i 1.5 Sport Petrol Manual 5 Door Hatchback Red

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

A ONE MOTORS LTD

01143086574 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,975

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,376

Finance available £523 pm

2L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £536 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (07) - 2.0 118i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
88.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 118i M Sport 3dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars2u

01473354250 *

4.1/5 Stars

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 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,300

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

2L
15.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d SE 3dr

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GEORGE DORAN VEHICLES

02890023217 *

BMW 1 Series2005 - 1.6 116I SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,295

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 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.

View guides

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