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.

2,923 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AVI DHIR CARS LIMITED TA AD Car Sales

01530441089 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (stop/start) (136 ps)

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
77.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
84.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Park Road Garages Ltd

01234862513 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£24,975

Finance available £493 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cottrell Motor Co LTD

01925903926 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£16,995

1.5L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116I SPORT 5-Door

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
99.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AC Motor Sales Ltd

01932507147 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,295

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Otley Road Motors

01274888456 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

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

£20,000

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 120i (2.0) M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Auto (Harmon/Kard

Reduced

£11,000

2L
94.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorparks Preston

01772347475 *

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

£21,400

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Starlight Motors Limited

01525308845 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,753

1.5L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - M SPORT 116D 2.0d 5DRS with New 1 YRS MOT

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
87.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Acado Car Sales Ltd

01463215190 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,490

2L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto £20 tax new shape leather camera

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JD Cars

01443809140 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,500

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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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