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.

2,936 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£14,995

1.5L
53.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
102.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

Low Mileage

£22,203

Finance available £445 pm

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

£1,395

2L
177.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

2L
164.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,491

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
92.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Bazaar ltd

01143086594 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pat Kirk Ford Omagh

02882440439 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

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

£20,498

1.5L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,993

Finance available £513 pm

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
77.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oxford Automotive

01865599168 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i Sport 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£18,750

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Dagenham

02038924678 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(12) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Crown Auto Hub Limited

02038895452 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Gary Hutchinson Car Sales Ltd

02890026790 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Reduced

£11,640

Finance available £238 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£27,993

Finance available £555 pm

1.5L
6.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

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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