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.

2,730 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£25,998

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,900

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(15) - 135i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Ben Kemp Ltd

01603937008 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-DoorCOMFORT PACKAGEONLY 3 OWNERSHEXAGON ALCANTARA SEATS

Low Mileage

£11,470

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Priddys Motor Company Ltd

01823218126 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£15,119

Finance available £306 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

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

£28,286

2L
8.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
100.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motoworld (Leeds)

01134676319 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,184

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Sale

01614139897 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£19,777

Finance available £386 pm

3L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Per4mance Cars Limited

01625468256 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 120i [2.0] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,695

Finance available £172 pm

2L
106.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,282

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,950

Finance available £580 pm

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£21,649

Finance available £447 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,899

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Aran Used Car

01215165146 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 1 Series 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto

Low Mileage

£15,849

2L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Norton Way Peugeot

01462411083 *

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