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.

2,982 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£30,199

Finance available £639 pm

2L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,498

2L
33.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£29,400

Finance available £583 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d Sport Convertible 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,550

Finance available £79 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Peak Motors Limited

01663790344 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£23,629

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£14,995

1.5L
67.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118i Sport 5dr 8 SERVICES

Low Mileage

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
86.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£30,494

Finance available £606 pm

2L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

X AUTOHAUS

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140I Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DAB Cars Ltd

01614139848 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
80.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118i SPORT AUTOMATIC/STEPTRONIC CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£38,000

Finance available £760 pm

2L
13.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,900

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,849

Finance available £478 pm

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,795

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
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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