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 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
58.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,290

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£15,480

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
26.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£18,995

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic] Manual

£11,999

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,270

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,700

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,999

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Reduced

£30,800

Finance available £612 pm

2L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 Petrol Automatic Hatchback 5dr ULEZ Free

Low Mileage

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.6L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TM UK TRADING LTD

02037637078 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,350

Finance available £343 pm

3L
70.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204939561 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - Bmw 116d 1.5 Ed Plus 5 Door

Low Mileage

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.5L
62.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Blackpole Trade and Save

01905672183 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£11,995

1.5L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 59 PLATE BMW 118d Sport 2dr CONVERTABLE ,RED

Reduced

£3,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cowbridge Road Motor Company

02920027040 *

4/5 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

* 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