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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 120i Sport 2dr Step

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,995

1.6L
134.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116I SPORT 5d 135 BHP 5-Door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
100.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£20,594

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,108

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

Reduced

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£17,869

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£20,100

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (stop/start) (136 ps)

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
77.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 116d Sport 3dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
126.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d ED Plus 3-Door

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

1.5L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GT 88 LTD

01616749828 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

£12,990

1.5L
68.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 Series2023 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Reduced

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

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

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
28.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,700

Finance available £364 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116d SE 3dr

£1,690

2L
172.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DNJ Cars

01462411223 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

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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