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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,700

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£28,295

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

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 Series2015 - 118i SE Auto FACELIFT PETROL AUTO

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

London Autos Ltd

01628561148 *

BMW 1 Series2007 - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RAPID AUTOS LIMITED

01782917185 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,495

3L
58.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JC Motors

01822661671 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

£2,995

2L
119.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
98.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

A ONE MOTORS LTD

01143086574 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,498

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Stirling)

01786232223 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d Sport 5-door

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Peak Motors Limited

01663790344 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£19,599

Finance available £407 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,999

2L
43.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lakeside Car Sales Ltd

01527911363 *

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 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,550

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
65.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Toccar

01652247128 *

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