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.

2,700 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,028

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£37,500

2L
4.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

The Motor Yard Ltd

02038933668 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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 Series2019 (69) - 118d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,300

Finance available £335 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £459 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,799

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
84.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,900

Finance available £355 pm

2L
27.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

1.6L
78.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BURNHAM CARS LIMITED

01628565402 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d SE 5dr

£2,995

2L
137.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swale Auto Sales I LTD

01748900780 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,799

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
91.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,799

1.6L
81.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vehicle Trade Centre Kilmarnock

01563590186 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,495

2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,389

Finance available £165 pm

1.5L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Sheffield

01143086605 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£11,477

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Liverpool Car Centre

01515417928 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - Bmw Hatchback 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,940

1.5L
860.0
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,485

Finance available £190 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Atomcars Ltd

01482947769 *

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