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.

2,688 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
117.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,599

Finance available £460 pm

3L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,499

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

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

£9,598

Finance available £192 pm

2L
95.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
97.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MOTO PORIUM LTD

01274924177 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SOUTH HAMS AUTOS LTD

01364700699 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,200

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

£6,825

Finance available £130 pm

1.5L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£39,353

2L
4.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£22,000

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Gateshead Toyota

01916070579 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£18,100

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£15,749

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
60.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,545

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HORNSBY CARS LTD

01268203043 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,289

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

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

Reduced

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

L4C Oldbury

01215166136 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,980

Finance available £268 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

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

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