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.

2,680 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Aster Cars

01733971204 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,940

2L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,825

Finance available £152 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

1.5L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Pat Kirk Ford Omagh

02882440439 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 1.5 120i MHT M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,499

1.5L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

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 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£1,250

2L
180.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

PCF Cars

01215160886 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.6 116i Sport ULEZ Petrol Manual 3 Door

Low Mileage

£7,195

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bristol Auto Hub

01172331341 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Ma

£18,795

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Direct Bridgend

01656339498 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,466

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,540

Finance available £213 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£25,098

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,750

1.5L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Space Motors Limited

01582280664 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,984

Finance available £273 pm

1.5L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,550

Finance available £258 pm

2L
56.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wyze Motors LTD

01753379105 *

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 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO RANGE TRADE CENTRE LTD

01443801307 *

4.5/5 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