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.

3,101 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£29,900

Finance available £594 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£24,893

Finance available £491 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£13,999

1.5L
68.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£5,500

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£21,066

2L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,799

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,998

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Perth

01738230553 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,800

Finance available £477 pm

2L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Reduced

£15,995

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£30,690

2L
4.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

£18,699

Finance available £440 pm

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

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 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (lcp) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dct Euro 6 (s/s) (136 Ps)

£19,112

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Drayton Motors Kia Boston

01205330112 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 118i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nottingham Road Car Sales

01332418937 *

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 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£21,350

Finance available £418 pm

1.5L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,490

1.5L
1.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 116D, 1.5 Turbo Diesel, M Sport, Hatchback, 5 Door, Manual, Euro 6,

£9,999

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,590

Finance available £170 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Wood Cars Ltd

01164646329 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,440

2L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 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.

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