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.

2,923 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£31,290

2L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,690

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

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

£21,992

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£20,695

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (Z1) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (14) - BMW 1 Series 1.6 116i Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M5 Motors

01215160880 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

£20,457

1.5L
26.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Georgesons Cars

01518322203 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,000

1.5L
12.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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

£27,950

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 4 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Noble Motors

01256268407 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (99) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,249

Finance available £184 pm

58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,250

20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elgin Autos

01343610498 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i, 1.5 Petrol, Sport Edition, Hatchback, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

£8,999

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,775

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oasis Cars Ltd

01474556253 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£18,395

Finance available £357 pm

3L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 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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