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.

2,990 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Petrol Hatchback

£19,998

1.5L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

1.5L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Redworth 4x4 Ltd

01913232949 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,999

2L
52.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£23,998

1.5L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Dunfermline)

01383660626 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118i Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,247

Finance available £73 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (4O) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
76.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,595

Finance available £690 pm

2L
2.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,990

1.5L
40.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (4D) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,491

Finance available £78 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£8,975

Finance available £178 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Van Centre Bury

01618048245 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EfficientDynamics Business 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.6L
116.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shaneys Autos Ltd

01603937082 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SM Auto Sales

02890026930 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 1.6 116i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 4 (115 ps)

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
86.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,990

2L
23.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,499

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

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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