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.

2,688 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

2L
128.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,480

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Harry Motors Warwick

01926351255 *

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

£18,749

1.5L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

3L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
64.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
80.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,498

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ar33ve Specialist Cars

01553605578 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,499

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
43.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,995

Finance available £175 pm

1.5L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

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

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,494

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,155

Finance available £444 pm

1.5L
14.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116d ES 5dr DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE

£995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
54.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Autozone Cars

02870449518 *

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

Reduced

£6,500

1.6L
74.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 10in

£16,750

1.5L
82.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Nelson

01282501882 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,800

Finance available £337 pm

1.5L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,000

1.5L
114.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Buckley Trade Centre

01352871794 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,498

1.5L
8.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

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