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.

2,941 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Cars

02892448214 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,770

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (N) - 120i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
113.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Saunton Autos LTD

01271443841 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,599

Finance available £582 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

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

Reduced

£22,495

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Norman Motors Poole

01202076853 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£19,460

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elton Cars Ltd

01733666869 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,200

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£17,245

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£22,250

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,100

2L
27.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

£11,983

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
55.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 114d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,000

1.6L
175.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car-Nection

01254919245 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,135

Finance available £115 pm

1.6L
77.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crown Auto Hub Limited

02038895452 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

£23,600

Finance available £406 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,795

1.5L
119.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

Reduced

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
112.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.5L
94.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RP Motors

02380017198 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,298

1.5L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Bolton)

01204324180 *

4.7/5 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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