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.

2,630 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,475

Finance available £145 pm

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Coleraine Trade Sales

02870441606 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CM Autos (midlands) Ltd

01785907379 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£15,600

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,489

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M-SPORT 5DR - ULEZ COMPLIANT

£15,290

1.5L
58.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

OTTER MOTORS LTD

01404519008 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,400

Finance available £259 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,999

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

2L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,410

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,300

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,391

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stephen James Blackheath BMW

02037634737 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£42,900

Finance available £861 pm

2L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 125d M Sport 5 door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Caristocrat

01273093588 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£31,250

Finance available £621 pm

2L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,949

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Tore Car Sales

01463217401 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual-2 FORMER KEEPERS-FINISHED IN MINERAL

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

3L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

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