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 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,000

1.5L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,499

2L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£7,400

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,799

Finance available £107 pm

1.6L
102.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AT Motors Essex

01206581651 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr Step Auto (LCP)

£21,701

1.5L
19.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corvette & INEOS Midlands

01675627077 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118d SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North Walsham Car Sales

01962670192 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£21,066

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,699

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 116d Sport 3dr

£3,995

2L
126.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,295

2L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goscote Services

01164785112 *

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

£18,295

Finance available £379 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,280

1.5L
48.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 128ti 5-Door

£23,085

2L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£17,250

Finance available £334 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GCM VEHICLES LIMITED

01752279698 *

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

£19,500

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
26.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

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

£18,700

Finance available £387 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,190

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
30.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,492

1.5L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (62) - 116d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Preseli Car Sales

01834820915 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

MHY Trade Cars Ltd

02037808864 *

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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