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.

2,723 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Reduced

£22,400

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Reduced

£28,750

Finance available £570 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£4,500

1.5L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BINCA

01525307120 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,498

2L
18.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Abarth (Glasgow)

01416118816 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,743

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d M Sport 5dr £35 a year road tax

£1,995

2L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Great yarmouth car sales

01493807050 *

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

£16,899

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01452227360 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,750

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr

£9,699

1.5L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilwinning Autoplex

01294440522 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,957

Finance available £178 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WE SELL ANY Car

01733794275 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,895

1.5L
100.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,799

2L
127.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shotton Part EX Change Centre

01913002315 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,996

1.5L
17.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

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