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.

2,870 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,599

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
34.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

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

£27,095

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118d Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic] MANUIAL DIESEL 74000 MILES

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,300

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SA CARS (DERBY) LTD

01332418705 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Business Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 125i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenhill Autos

01386573316 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 3.0 125i SE Coupe 2dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 4 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

3L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 116i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Clean Cars Connection LTD

01524237312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£23,498

1.5L
21.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Ayr)

01292431680 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

3L
39.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TMC Motors

01252960115 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 116d SE 5dr

£8,795

1.5L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i SE Auto FACELIFT PETROL AUTO

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

London Autos Ltd

01628561148 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,195

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
98.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,900

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros