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.

3,063 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) -

Low Mileage

£19,320

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£11,995

1.5L
56.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 97236 5-Door

£24,237

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SANDICLIFFE FORDSTORE LEICESTER

01158383745 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MF Motors Norwich Ltd

01603337394 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) NATIONWIDE PART

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
29.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kirkham Part Ex Centre

01772348362 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,500

2L
25.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£20,150

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

1.5L
8.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Reduced

£10,295

1.5L
122.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,450

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

West View Motor Company

01768800648 *

0/5 Stars

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

£28,195

1.5L
8.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,595

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motors Kent

01732927588 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (W) - 116d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 116d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Russell Cooper Low Mileage Cars and Vans

01635884970 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Pro pk]

£24,799

1.5L
19.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,495

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118D M SPORT 5DR

Low Mileage

£17,613

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Altrincham

01616720399 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps) 1 Owner /

Low Mileage

£27,250

Finance available £539 pm

2L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 - 120i SPORT 2-Door

Reduced

£4,390

2L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

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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