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.

3,063 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,100

Finance available £484 pm

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,399

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
36.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,995

1.6L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

W R Car Sales Limited

01274087616 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr. - cheap tax -

£2,295

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,609

Finance available £382 pm

1.5L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£7,700

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118d SE 3dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ramy Car Sales Ltd

02922679494 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i SE 3-Door

£6,888

1.5L
127.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bluemotors Aberdare Limited

01685701469 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,200

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
26.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,990

Finance available £637 pm

2L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Assured Chichester

01243214214 *

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

Reduced

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

2L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204969299 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

2L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 2.0 118d SE Convertible 2-Door

£2,495

2L
145.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Wilmot Service Station

01332325483 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
39.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cantilever Car Centre

01925917573 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

£18,549

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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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