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.

2,726 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EFFICIENTDYNAMICS 5-Door

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carrera Cars Wales

01685702350 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
98.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Redworth 4x4 Ltd

01913232949 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£18,790

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,299

Finance available £409 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Julian Motor Sales

01993463580 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto Ex Police

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CSK Cars And Commercials

01639501144 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£9,890

Finance available £199 pm

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpod LTD

01633831062 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£19,499

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - BLUETOOT

Low Mileage

£14,211

Finance available £277 pm

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,399

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 2.0 123d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,425

Finance available £54 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£25,799

Finance available £543 pm

2L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Anwick Car Sales

01526800320 *

4.3/5 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

* 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