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.

2,976 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,998

2L
47.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Aberdeen

01224678298 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,499

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,300

1.5L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,499

Finance available £336 pm

1.5L
50.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,599

Finance available £482 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.6 116i Style Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£15,430

Finance available £329 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i Sport T 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,075

Finance available £91 pm

1.6L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£20,691

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,949

Finance available £66 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,000

Finance available £501 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£22,992

Finance available £452 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,024

1.5L
11.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

2L
51.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AG Cars Loughborough Limited

01509278062 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,695

Finance available £351 pm

2L
75.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£11,890

1.5L
65.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - BMW 118D M Sport 2.0 5drs

£5,895

Finance available £109 pm

2L
96.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Blackpole Trade and Save

01905672183 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£18,145

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

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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