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.

2,675 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
59.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JC Select Stirling

01786232660 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,249

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01273121210 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Level Autos

01296791923 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - BMW 1 Series 1.5 M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£19,295

1.5L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Ross-on-Wye

01989554131 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 118d SE 3-Door

Low Mileage

£4,150

Finance available £70 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stanley Automotive

01513189273 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,750

Finance available £365 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118d SE 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

2L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5L 116D SPORT Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (114 bhp)

£8,495

1.5L
76.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,780

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118I M SPORT 2d 141 BHP 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

AM Car Solutions Limited

01543229540 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£29,629

2L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£18,590

Finance available £361 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,777

Finance available £84 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

3.7/5 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 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£14,899

Finance available £310 pm

1.5L
10.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PINNACLE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01156848090 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5-Door

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

2L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Enterprise 2023 LTD

01613887772 *

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