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.

2,803 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Reduced

£2,990

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Space Motors Limited

01582280664 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto-1 OWNER FROM NEW FINISHED IN BLAC

£27,250

Finance available £539 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,000

1.5L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 2.0 125d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

2L
80.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,499

2L
60.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Market Yorkshire

01924668146 *

2.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 Owner / Low

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car

01895544784 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£10,477

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Liverpool Car Centre

01515417928 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,989

Finance available £178 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 140 Ps

Low Mileage

£15,895

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,900

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
23.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Chilwell

01156977727 *

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

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
70.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,650

Finance available £327 pm

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,395

1.5L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120i M Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5l 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

£17,599

1.5L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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