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.

2,777 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
62.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,029

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,800

Finance available £520 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (62) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
73.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cattedown Trade Centre

01752426030 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EFFICIENTDYNAMICS 5-Door

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carrera Cars Wales

01685702350 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£25,917

1.5L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Shirley

01217288809 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£20,399

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

Reduced

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,500

Finance available £474 pm

2L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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 Series2021 - 118I SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Skinners of Rye

01797330908 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 118i 1.5 Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,884

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Baylis Worcester

01905947509 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£9,250

Finance available £180 pm

1.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

£20,535

Finance available £410 pm

1.5L
29.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(20) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,900

25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AVI DHIR CARS LIMITED TA AD Car Sales

01530441089 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - M 2dr

Low Mileage

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

3L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Nick Bonar Cars

02893440727 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,490

Finance available £96 pm

2L
103.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 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