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.

2,725 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,990

1.5L
99.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£17,939

Finance available £367 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 130i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, PRIVACY GLASS)

£24,988

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

D C Cars

01143086551 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£12,485

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
56.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,390

Finance available £165 pm

1.5L
85.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sterling Motor Group Ltd

02039537434 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
51.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

3.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 120d M Sport Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] 5-Door

Reduced

£22,876

Finance available £469 pm

2L
21.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£9,295

1.5L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.6 120i M Sports With sunroof

Low Mileage

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

1.6L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Loyal Corporations (UK) LIMITED

02476936627 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Simon Kimber Cars Ltd

01284338935 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

£9,794

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,599

Finance available £517 pm

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

M & N

01908767437 *

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