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.

2,640 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 116d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Russell Cooper Low Mileage Cars and Vans

01635884970 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 3.0 1 Series M 2dr

Low Mileage

£48,990

Finance available £986 pm

3L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Churchs Performance Cars

01403331228 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

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

Reduced

£26,750

Finance available £529 pm

1.5L
8.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 3.0 M135i 3 door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 120d xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition 5door

£13,995

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCR Specialist Cars

01453701527 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,900

Finance available £594 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - M135i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
69.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DVS Commercials

01664490545 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
112.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eagle Cars and Commercials Limited

01452596518 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d ED Plus 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,295

1.5L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dunwoody Car Sales

02890023606 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,309

2L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Garrowhill Car Sales Ltd

01412601241 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£25,298

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Paisley)

01414040020 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£18,195

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

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