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.

3,172 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118d M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£19,250

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£28,171

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,670

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£27,500

1.5L
2.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118i Sport Plus Edition Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143

Low Mileage

£6,595

2L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Andy Hall Cars

01934318499 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Gpf M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s

£12,999

1.5L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Haddington

01620670407 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,998

1.5L
4.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£18,270

1.5L
29.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,298

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Linwood Omoda & Jaecoo

01414049404 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£7,590

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

100

Low Mileage

£23,790

Finance available £468 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Redgate Lodge

01916077194 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,800

1.5L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 4 5dr

£1,890

2L
144.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,190

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Syston Autos LTD

01162165591 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RD Motors Ltd

01708973724 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120i M Sport Euro 5 2dr

Reduced

£3,695

2L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
92.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northampton Car Company

01604343638 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

Reduced

£4,200

1.6L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CARZ

02039537440 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

3L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CRYSTAL CARS MCR LTD

01614135499 *

4.3/5 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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