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.

2,974 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£9,100

1.5L
57.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Bolton

01204329200 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,780

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
50.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

£14,789

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps) 1 Owner / Service

Low Mileage

£20,599

Finance available £402 pm

3L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(63) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

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 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
28.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Kendal)

01539760922 *

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,500

1.5L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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

£15,159

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
73.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

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

Low Mileage

£3,965

Finance available £66 pm

1.6L
86.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ROSSENDALE MOTORS LTD

01706586855 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (70) - 1.5 118I M SPORT 5d 139 BHP 8.8in Sat Nav, 10.3in Active Display, Apple Car 5-Door

£20,556

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Nelson

01282501882 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 118i 1.5 Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£18,499

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Baylis Worcester

01905947509 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,890

Finance available £154 pm

1.6L
81.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118I SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Skinners of Rye

01797330908 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120d M Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
89.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

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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