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.

2,680 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£38,950

2L
2.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

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

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Automotive GT Car Sales Ltd

01236802988 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£13,099

Finance available £270 pm

1.5L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(18) - 2.0 125d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224

Low Mileage

£15,100

45.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (13) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Green Autos

01924667351 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£11,562

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Garrowhill Car Sales Ltd

01412601241 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118i Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,497

Finance available £78 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,900

Finance available £445 pm

2L
10.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
65.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Amalfi Autos Limited

01427801272 *

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

£23,499

Finance available £487 pm

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 4 3dr

Reduced

£1,850

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AT42 LTD

01483375803 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,800

Finance available £264 pm

2L
38.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - DRIVING

£20,788

Finance available £415 pm

1.5L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i SPORT [NAV/SERVOTRONIC] 3-Door

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
110.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MM AUTO CAR SALES

01382238685 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

1.5L
8.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series(68) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

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