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.

2,713 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
52.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MARLING CAR SALES LTD

01952953911 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) Full

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

H and M Cars Ltd

07921081064 *

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 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,700

2L
133.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kevin Car Sales & HCW Ltd

01708205498 *

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

£19,698

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)

01355203632 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,799

Finance available £364 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d M Sport Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

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 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
126.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

3.8/5 Stars

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 Series2015 - 1.5 116D Sport 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
96.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Malt Mill Motors Ltd

01156848099 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,551

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 120i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
127.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps) -

Low Mileage

£20,602

Finance available £411 pm

3L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

1.5L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autosales NI Ltd

02890023688 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,500

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / HARMON KARDON / DAB / ULEZ ++

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£10,775

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros