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.

2,754 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £314 pm

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,400

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GERMAN AUTOCENTRE CARS

01143086596 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 118d SE 2-Door

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

A R Used Cars Ltd

01280730307 *

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

£12,780

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Reduced

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

1.5L
92.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Shop Wales

01792001663 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i Sport 3-Door

£6,488

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
130.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£2,450

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Drivewave Motors

01217287151 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£22,600

Finance available £391 pm

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 123d SE 2dr Coupe (59 Reg)Leather Nav Elec Roof F/S/H Top Spec STUNNING EXA

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Let's Go Cars

01634471234 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,307

Finance available £372 pm

2L
58.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
84.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,860

Finance available £176 pm

2L
24.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PH Automotive Ltd

01926563642 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,600

1.5L
10.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 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