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.

2,890 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£21,500

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,395

2L
104.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Economic Cars LTD

01494415169 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£18,546

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Hull

01482421858 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£17,750

Finance available £344 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£18,375

Finance available £396 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£32,670

2L
6.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,491

1.5L
80.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (05) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,195

Finance available £228 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
152.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,500

Finance available £435 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 1 OWNER / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,845

Finance available £86 pm

1.6L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SILVERSTONE CAR LTD

01767668790 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (M) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
62.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clear Car Group Ltd

01616696927 *

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

£10,734

Finance available £222 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
84.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Julian Motor Sales

01993463580 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,199

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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.

View guides

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