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.

2,941 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£29,796

Finance available £592 pm

2L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,495

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 2.0 120d SE Euro 4 5dr

£2,990

2L
143.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

Low Mileage

£20,495

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pentagon Ford (Warrington)

01925917874 *

4/5 Stars

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

£21,975

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
20.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
62.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i M Sport 5dr [Tech Pack]

£23,502

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
17.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,949

Finance available £66 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Castle 4 Cars

02382146222 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
108.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Car for sale

01144789349 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£29,750

Finance available £591 pm

1.5L
500.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

2L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118D M Sport 4dr Step Auto [Business Media]

£6,988

Finance available £134 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Stoke Motorz ltd

01782389384 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
118.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Roy Needham Cars

01226448496 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£19,998

39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116d Sport 2.0 5dr

£2,395

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Mobile Motor Group Ltd

01442504346 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£22,500

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

1.6L
59.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elton Cars Ltd

01733666869 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,500

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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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