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.

2,777 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£25,798

2L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Clydebank Used Car Centre

01414839926 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i Sport 3dr Sat Nav Grey ONLY 19k Miles Years MOT Warranty

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ashford Panelcraft

01233221737 *

4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,990

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£23,599

Finance available £495 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Trade N Save Centre

01452227275 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£21,800

Finance available £381 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,975

Finance available £89 pm

2L
106.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Van Centre Bury

01618048245 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £409 pm

2L
18.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,279

Finance available £279 pm

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,000

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr Step Auto (LCP)

Low Mileage

£22,750

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 2dr

£2,995

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,400

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 123d M Sport 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Powells Motors MOT

01709288261 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech+/Pro Pack]

£35,884

2L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,491

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,290

Finance available £252 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Status Motor Group LTD

02037639097 *

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