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.

2,554 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,295

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goscote Services

01164785112 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,668

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SE 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£9,690

Finance available £194 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Vance Cars

02890024661 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 120d SE 2dr

£1,995

2L
133.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Collinwood Cars

02890023212 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d SPORT [SATNAV, P/SENSORS, 6 SERVICES] 5-Door

£7,285

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brooklands Motor Centres

01135321282 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rainham Motors LTD

01708205565 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,498

1.5L
8.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£10,595

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
51.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

T Wall Garages Citroen - Kingswinford

01384319487 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£15,159

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
52.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116d Sport FULL SERVICE HIST.PK SENSORS,CRUISE CONTROL,VERY CLEAN HPI CLEAR 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Economic Cars LTD

01494415169 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 116d Sport 5DR Hatch Diesel

£15,689

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
50.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120i Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

The Carfella Ltd

01923268888 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116D SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SVM Automotive Ltd

01202087555 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 OWNER

£14,495

1.5L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,195

1.6L
122.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Millennium Cars

01246381925 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

2.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£12,300

Finance available £252 pm

1.5L
47.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 118D EDITION ES 5-Door

Reduced

£3,699

Finance available £60 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Dorset Road

01424230370 *

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

* 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