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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,595

1.5L
57.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

W18 Cars

01282501740 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,799

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

49.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Automotive GT Car Sales Ltd

01236802988 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

3L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Red Lion Car Sales

01518322185 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - BMW 116i MSP 1.6L PETROL AUTO 14-64 ULEZ FRESH IMPORT VERIFIED MILE FINANCE

Low Mileage

£9,995

31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Autos

01708205279 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,849

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118i ES Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-door

Reduced

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,979

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£18,895

Finance available £416 pm

3L
58.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£14,450

Finance available £301 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SM Auto Sales

02890026930 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£14,199

Finance available £295 pm

2L
47.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) + N

Reduced

£11,990

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,957

Finance available £178 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WE SELL ANY Car

01733794275 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,440

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£28,597

2L
8.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] SEMI-AUTO

£18,795

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
34.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [LCP/Pro/Tech pk]

Low Mileage

£19,295

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 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