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.

2,655 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 116i [2.0] SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,200

Finance available £49 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Griffin Vehicle Solutions

01296254880 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,990

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
57.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,895

Finance available £323 pm

2L
56.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,300

Finance available £508 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1/Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,502

2L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall SKODA Leicester

01164646106 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,998

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,400

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] SEMI-AUTO

£20,790

1.5L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Huddersfield

01484502987 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£31,950

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
79.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RH Motor Sales Ltd

01594801996 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

Reduced

£19,599

1.5L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Automatic

Reduced

£21,250

Finance available £416 pm

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£27,000

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (58) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
130.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - M135i M Performance 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,440

Finance available £211 pm

3L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Hammick Ltd

01277285891 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

£14,799

Finance available £308 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£24,700

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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