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.

2,768 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Reduced

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.5L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CJ AUTOS BRISTOL

01174404907 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£17,995

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,980

Finance available £268 pm

2L
44.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Autocars UK

01482296002 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.5L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£34,351

2L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,491

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
92.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Bazaar ltd

01143086594 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£22,868

Finance available £459 pm

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,975

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

2L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Urban Car Company Ltd

01954770393 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£23,998

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen MG

01224907730 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

Low Mileage

£19,788

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£26,730

2L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,690

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr Step AUTO DIESEL 79000 MILES

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,225

Finance available £161 pm

1.5L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,400

2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£26,898

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118d SE 2dr

£2,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

All Automotive Glasgow

01414069556 *

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