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.

2,751 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£12,995

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,899

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Bassetts Honda Swansea

01792940530 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,448

Finance available £461 pm

3L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£21,850

3L
54.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,413

Finance available £534 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,895

2L
123.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£10,200

Finance available £206 pm

1.5L
81.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

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

£24,498

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Peterhead Used Car Centre

01779400507 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£20,174

3L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu SEAT Derby

01332318533 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,500

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 118d SE 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,475

Finance available £55 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

RRJA Autos Limited

01501640117 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

3L
70.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Autohaven Motors Ltd

01494311306 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,399

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,995

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5l 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

£17,699

1.5L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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

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.

View guides

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros