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.

2,730 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,200

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Orwell Motors

01383661016 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 116D SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Whitefield Motors

01613887758 *

0/5 Stars

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

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116

Reduced

£3,490

1.6L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (Z1) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d M Sport 3dr

£4,945

2L
108.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

£11,485

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

Low Mileage

£20,431

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Surrey House Of Cars Ltd

01932687936 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 116d ES 5dr

£2,495

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,200

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,299

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,599

Finance available £304 pm

3L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Best Motors 4 You Ltd

01634568082 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,300

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

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

£18,700

Finance available £364 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 130i M Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

3L
141.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars and Vans

02476930879 *

4.5/5 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