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.

3,080 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,990

1.5L
74.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Silverbrookes

01273027447 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,295

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,994

2L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpheton Garage Ltd

01787323800 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£6,949

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

L4C LTD

01217288698 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,450

2L
97.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,440

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AG Cars Loughborough Limited

01509278062 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
87.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Andy's Autos (North West) Limited

01257448830 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Essex Car Group

01277286584 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (60) - 2.0 118d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,500

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 1.6L BMW 1 SERIES PETROL

Low Mileage

£6,600

Finance available £125 pm

1.6L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jan London Trade Ltd

01217288705 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 3.0 M135i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

3L
54.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MUGIEMOSS AUTO CENTRE LTD

01224453658 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOTECHNIK (LEICESTER) LIMITED

01455244662 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,095

Finance available £181 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

£18,595

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fine & Country Automotive Limited

01799610960 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
52.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 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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