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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Middlesex Motors

02039577419 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,200

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 120d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,000

2L
4.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£25,949

Finance available £569 pm

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d M Sport Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£500

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GVP Car Sales Ltd

01216618719 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,999

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,200

Finance available £139 pm

1.5L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£26,578

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,580

1.5L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Harrogate Ltd

01423648648 *

0/5 Stars

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

£19,482

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos

02890023619 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£25,998

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£25,700

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - M SPORT 5-Door

£11,999

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Garrison Garage

01252960053 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S L Cars

01985800653 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Rides Group Ltd

01296324588 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport 2-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

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