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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,795

1.5L
119.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

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

£25,998

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£25,298

2L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Clydebank Used Car Centre

01414839926 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £433 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 Motors Dewsbury

01924667351 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

Low Mileage

£14,850

Finance available £309 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect York

01904237847 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 116d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Reduced

£7,150

Finance available £137 pm

1.5L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£10,200

Finance available £206 pm

1.5L
81.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 (134bhp) 118i Sport DCT 5-Door

£19,600

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Perth

01738230206 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GREAT CARS LTD

02037576480 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Reduced

£11,640

Finance available £238 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

£20,895

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
30.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,495

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark MINI Tayside

01382238683 *

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

£10,890

Finance available £216 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,295

2L
44.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,292

Finance available £163 pm

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 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