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.

2,688 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
91.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

2L
125.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

4 FAB WHEELS

02039122513 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£13,499

1.5L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

2L
25.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Embleton Motor Company

01642937550 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,700

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 120d M Sport 3 door

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MUGIEMOSS AUTO CENTRE LTD

01224453658 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,500

Finance available £565 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,605

2L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE [BIG SPEC] AUTO 5 Dr

£16,495

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,896

Finance available £362 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
123.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RAPID AUTOS LIMITED

01782917185 *

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

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oxford Automotive

01865599168 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£1,495

2L
157.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Broomhill Car Sales

01803226597 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
43.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NETHERTON ROAD CAR SALES LTD

01698533313 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

3L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Murray Motors (FRS) Ltd

01346410646 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,381

Finance available £98 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.3/5 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