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.

2,751 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118i ES Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,372

Finance available £53 pm

2L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,115

Finance available £159 pm

1.5L
63.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,495

Finance available £565 pm

1.5L
4.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,899

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

IBZ Motors

02039897125 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BELLE VUE MOTORS

01697920510 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d SE 5dr

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.5L
127.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

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 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £225 pm

3L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

GL Cars

01359303321 *

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 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,500

Finance available £339 pm

2L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116 SE 1.5D 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

£13,974

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
43.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
115.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oakwood Specialist Cars

01918237768 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,100

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

Reduced

£21,675

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Witley Car Company Ltd

01428771120 *

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

£20,698

1.5L
29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow London Road Motorstore / Vanstore

01416118432 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£17,400

Finance available £300 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,840

Finance available £175 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,099

2L
92.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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