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.

2,768 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£10,390

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

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 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

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

£19,897

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118i Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,497

Finance available £78 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,499

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
75.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£21,000

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 118d M Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Beckingham Garage

01621733875 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Aster Cars

01733971204 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,499

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 - 2.0 118i SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,390

Finance available £53 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sell Your Car To Sam Ltd TA James Bentley Motors

01212729588 *

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

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

S B Cars

01784776677 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,499

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shelbourne AutoSelect Newry

02830441493 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (Z1) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£13,895

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
71.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,000

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mark Payne Cars

01145537261 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

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