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.

3,027 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series(69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,500

53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£24,250

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,390

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,750

2L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

£13,999

Finance available £273 pm

1.5L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 114d ES 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.6L
37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Caristocrat

01273093588 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,900

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
25.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,490

2L
97.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

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

£21,700

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 118i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Brayley Kia Harpenden

01582341122 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

£17,137

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
59.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (19) - 118i SE Business 5-Door

£13,250

1.6L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Stoneacre Darlington Toyota

01325529181 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 116i M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,800

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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

£26,990

Finance available £534 pm

1.5L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£14,900

Finance available £317 pm

1.5L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 123d M Sport Convertible 2dr Auto Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (204 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
87.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series(65) - 1.6 120i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,450

119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE MOTOR LOUNGE

01992666449 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118i ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

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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