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.

3,063 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5L 116d Edition+ Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (114 bhp)

£7,495

1.5L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.6 120i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 ES Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (102 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.6L
87.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) FULL SERVIC

£17,495

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,900

Finance available £154 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£14,690

Finance available £218 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£21,800

Finance available £455 pm

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridge Motors

02037637059 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,600

Finance available £214 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,984

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,800

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JC Select Dundee

01382236116 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 2.0 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps) 5-Door

Reduced

£28,500

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
44.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Reduced

£14,489

1.5L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

3L
59.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vision Car Sales

01793550993 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ace Autos

01234987597 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,395

Finance available £378 pm

3L
74.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Brook Cars Company

01952446504 *

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

£24,998

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Ayr)

01292431668 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£21,200

Finance available £442 pm

2L
34.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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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