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.

3,027 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,095

Finance available £159 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

R Line Motors

01619147758 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£4,990

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto, HEATED SEATS, CRUISE CONTROL, REAR PRIVAC

Low Mileage

£21,370

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Barnsley

01226107151 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dct Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

£21,490

19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Kings Lynn

01553605787 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,850

Finance available £511 pm

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118D SE Auto 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
83.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
75.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandhaven Car Sales

01917314499 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,987

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
115.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

1UP Automotive Ltd

01616945346 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,395

Finance available £337 pm

3L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

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
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£12,245

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MSC MOTORS LTD

01782917198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (19) - 118i SE Business 5-Door

£13,250

1.6L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Stoneacre Darlington Toyota

01325529181 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,495

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

T and T Motors

01924665188 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,790

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£34,995

2L
5.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,500

Finance available £401 pm

3L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£33,936

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,849

Finance available £281 pm

2L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,399

Finance available £485 pm

1.5L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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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