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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpheton Garage Ltd

01787323800 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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 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 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

S J AND SONS VEHICLE SALES LTD

01527916197 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Efficient Dynamics Plus 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / 83.1 MPG / DAB ++

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ALPINE AUTO GROUP

01780437002 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
62.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Just the Car Ltd

01494311220 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,995

1.5L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

2L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

SM Cars Norwich

02039537466 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Riverside Sports & Prestige

01924975090 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,900

Finance available £355 pm

2L
27.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto + LEATHER / SAT NAV / 35 TAX / 8 SERVICES / DAB +

Low Mileage

£7,975

Finance available £156 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£15,895

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 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