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.

2,594 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,631

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,494

Finance available £100 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Urban Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,470

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 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 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hiline Motors Ltd

01216618752 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,750

1.5L
22.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,399

Finance available £188 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£20,590

1.5L
21.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Purewell Motor Company

01202076204 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£14,790

Finance available £308 pm

3L
111.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 118i ES 3dr part ex to clear - starts and drives

Low Mileage

£650

2L
113.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

WMA VEHICLE HIRE AND SALES LIMITED

01913002068 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

3L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,790

Finance available £107 pm

1.6L
76.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorchoice UK Ltd

01782917226 *

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

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Atlas Motor Company

01603980238 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£5,800

Finance available £107 pm

1.5L
95.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oxus Cars Ltd

02039537307 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,300

Finance available £440 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,700

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

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