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.

2,917 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £536 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,900

Finance available £221 pm

1.5L
76.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

THEURBANDEALERSHIP LTD

02039577411 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (4D) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,491

Finance available £78 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£26,975

Finance available £534 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cottrell Motor Co LTD

01925903926 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

1.5L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,900

Finance available £522 pm

2L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,499

1.6L
72.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

Reduced

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
112.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i xDrive 5-Door

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly M1 Motorstore (Dungannon)

02887448025 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d M Sport 2dr Coupe Step Auto

Low Mileage

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

Bowerhill Trade Centre Ltd

01225437232 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£20,357

1.5L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d ED Plus 5-Door

£5,199

Finance available £94 pm

1.5L
95.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,256

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Walton

01932559049 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£22,196

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars by Peter Cooper (Horsham)

01403331264 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SCOTISH VAN CENTRE LTD

01312874277 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,998

3L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Stoke on Trent)

01782432704 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JB Quality Cars

01942590040 *

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