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.

2,985 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£23,799

Finance available £499 pm

1.5L
9.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) Manual

Reduced

£17,900

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 120i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
127.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£14,795

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr (Live Cockpit Professional)

Low Mileage

£22,990

1.5L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbon Motors Ltd

01216615534 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 2dr

£2,620

2L
150.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 123d M Sport 3dr

Reduced

£3,595

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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

£22,699

Finance available £475 pm

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£42,490

Finance available £852 pm

2L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,295

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MG MOTOR GROUP LIMITED

01642937567 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,431

Finance available £166 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,649

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,325

Finance available £281 pm

1.5L
44.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£26,572

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,499

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bassetts Honda Swansea

01792940530 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116i SE 5dr Step Auto [Business Media]

Low Mileage

£8,449

1.6L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£14,800

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motors Kent

01732927588 *

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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