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.

2,631 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / DAB / BLUETOOTH / ULEZ / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£7,275

Finance available £140 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120D M Sport 2dr

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fermanagh Auto Sales

02868336501 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,095

Finance available £114 pm

1.6L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
39.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

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

£18,899

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr

£15,599

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

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

£9,799

Finance available £197 pm

1.5L
72.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Pine Lodge Cars

01948805118 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

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

Low Mileage

£17,449

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
22.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01224453394 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£24,800

1.5L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,690

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
78.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

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

£12,485

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
56.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£2,150

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,575

Finance available £58 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,195

2L
163.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Browns Commercials

01156977764 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 120d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

2L
73.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MARLING CAR SALES LTD

01952953911 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,290

Finance available £230 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - SPORT 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coopers car sales ltd

02921670053 *

3.8/5 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