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.

2,711 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,295

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 116i ES 5dr [122]

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ARVP Group LTD

02475103329 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BELLE VUE MOTORS

01697920510 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£25,698

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Seacroft Ford Mablethorpe

01522308128 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,949

Finance available £459 pm

1.5L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,299

Finance available £353 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,995

1.6L
134.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,300

1.5L
110.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BINCA

01525307120 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

M5 Motors

01215160880 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Woods New Forest Ltd

01590637902 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d 2.0 Diesel Sport 5-Door From £3,695 + Retail Package

Reduced

£3,695

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,895

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

T Wall Garages Vauxhall - Kingswinford

01384881243 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£20,459

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120D SPORT PLUS EDITION 2-Door

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Purewell Motor Company

01202076204 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d Sport Convertible 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,488

Finance available £78 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

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