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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2008 - 118i M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,780

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
41.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav-Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
42.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (0K) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,994

Finance available £112 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i Sport 5dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

J LALL CARS OF BLACKPOOL

01253376711 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£22,500

Finance available £442 pm

3L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Silverstone Cars Limited

01708206414 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,470

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,500

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carlton Car Centre Limited

01156977766 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,191

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect MG Scarborough

01723338733 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i M Sport 3-Door

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
65.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,922

1.5L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

Reduced

£12,599

Finance available £259 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 120i [2.0] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

£11,000

Finance available £223 pm

2L
66.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
64.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

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 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,895

Finance available £323 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Globe Cars

01733915026 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,999

1.5L
4.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pentagon Peugeot & Vauxhall (Burton)

01283241541 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
49.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

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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