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.

2,981 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£27,950

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,700

Finance available £127 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,490

1.5L
79.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

3L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

B&H CAR SALE LTD

01924668165 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr - FRONT AND REAR PARKING SENSORS, SAT NAV, CARPLAY - TAKE ME

Low Mileage

£14,990

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Craigavon

02890022227 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

X AUTOHAUS

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
101.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,378

Finance available £480 pm

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SKV Motors

01708202983 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 125D M Sport Auto 5dr

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HSI Automotive

01274059767 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£9,988

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,377

2L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £479 pm

1.5L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,146

1.5L
21.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 3.0 125i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 5 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Richmond Motor Company

01592808546 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,149

Finance available £463 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,440

1.5L
39.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

1.6L
80.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Daily Cars

02038924800 *

4.1/5 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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