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 Series(06) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,000

125.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dunwoody Car Sales

02890023606 *

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,079

Finance available £248 pm

29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hyundai Scarborough

01723333359 *

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

£24,898

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(70) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,250

Finance available £395 pm

34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Alecocarco

01472404033 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£24,400

Finance available £429 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

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

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,898

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

2L
153.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctions Ltd

01753313549 *

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 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,400

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£23,750

Finance available £467 pm

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116i Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Burnside Car Store Ltd

01412601254 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,971

2L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Grantham

01476851380 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118i ES Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,850

Finance available £153 pm

1.5L
56.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

2.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Lichfield Road Motors Ltd

01543220813 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Motors

01782917199 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2009 120d ES 2dr DIESEL CONVERTIBLE BLACK

Reduced

£2,999

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

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