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.

2,725 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£22,799

Finance available £477 pm

1.5L
26.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [LCP/Pro/Tech pk]

Reduced

£17,895

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

East Devon Automotive Ltd

01395200671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118D SPORT PLUS EDITION 2-Door

Reduced

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

BHP Autos

01707242955 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118i SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,000

Finance available £45 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Martyns Car Sales

01932687838 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£11,563

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,999

2L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118d SE 5dr [Nav]

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MH Car Sales Oxford Ltd

01993463440 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£27,300

Finance available £540 pm

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,995

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

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

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£24,600

36.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

£17,600

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
44.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,850

Finance available £511 pm

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series(22) - 2.0 (302bhp) M135i xDrive Auto 5-Door

£25,250

Finance available £498 pm

37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark SEAT Aberdeen

01224040528 *

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