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.

2,697 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£11,945

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
51.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wilsons of Rathkenny Prestige

02821330027 *

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

£11,895

Finance available £243 pm

1.5L
83.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ace Car Sales Bury

01618042294 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

£21,799

Finance available £455 pm

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,300

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
46.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Reduced

£24,500

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Vospers Ford Truro

01872301823 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118i Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Brookmans Motor Group

01707242293 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD OF ACKWORTH

01977808775 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
87.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,690

Finance available £60 pm

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,480

1.5L
66.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KT Cars Ltd

01306771707 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,898

1.5L
5.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RAPID AUTOS LIMITED

01782917185 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,898

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£14,200

Finance available £301 pm

2L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mount Vernon Motors

01416119897 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dct Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

£21,490

19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Kings Lynn

01553605787 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i xDrive 5-Door

£31,495

Finance available £626 pm

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

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