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.

2,961 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,650

Finance available £506 pm

2L
21.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

North Loop Autohaus

01527911876 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£26,865

1.5L
8.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

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

Low Mileage

£15,999

1.5L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Beverley

01482697813 *

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

Reduced

£20,399

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£35,500

2L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,381

Finance available £143 pm

1.5L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 116d Sport 3dr

£3,995

2L
126.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - CLIMATE

Low Mileage

£9,790

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
54.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i Sport 5dr

£5,295

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

J LALL CARS OF BLACKPOOL

01253376711 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,800

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Radley Motor Company

01217288665 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,475

Finance available £544 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oasis Cars Ltd

01474556253 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jonathan Dawson Car Sales Ltd

01134676315 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120d M Sport 3-Door

Low Mileage

£12,595

2L
41.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,000

Finance available £303 pm

1.5L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,395

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Norton Car Sales Limited

01616720268 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,249

Finance available £443 pm

1.5L
27.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD

01977808775 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,900

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
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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