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

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 125D M Sport Auto 5dr

100

Low Mileage

£15,120

Finance available £315 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellahi Motors Limited

01256679122 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
98.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,995

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d Sport 5-door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
75.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Paignton Motor Company

01803223528 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,500

2L
167.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Chapelfield Car Sales Ltd

01616946801 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£18,395

Finance available £357 pm

3L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
88.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Lane Cars Ltd

01942559253 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,195

1.5L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - M135I 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

3L
118.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Reduced

£11,640

Finance available £238 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£17,498

2L
62.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,450

Finance available £569 pm

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,900

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

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 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,500

Finance available £194 pm

1.5L
56.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

2L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbon Motors Ltd

01216615534 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118i M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,350

Finance available £53 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Apex Motors

01709919084 *

0/5 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