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.

2,738 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 - 114i URBAN 3-Door

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

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 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,649

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,749

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140I SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

3L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mersey Leisure Vehicles

01514597705 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d M Sport 2dr CONVERTIBLE

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

C A C Cars

01480597477 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 125d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

2L
113.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars2u

01473354250 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,390

Finance available £143 pm

2L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sleaford Car Centre

01529401234 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,500

Finance available £315 pm

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
64.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Stop Motors Dewsbury

01924665170 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,697

Finance available £487 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£21,198

1.5L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

3L
86.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

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

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trunk Road Budget Cars

01642061101 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,790

Finance available £174 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,395

Finance available £143 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 1.6 116I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,475

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 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

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