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.

2,791 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£26,998

2L
23.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 114d Sport 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,898

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corus Automotives

01777800508 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,285

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,488

Finance available £257 pm

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,294

Finance available £163 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116d ES Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d SE 5dr

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.5L
127.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,495

Finance available £453 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

Reduced

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chilham Sports Cars

01227203935 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,695

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mark Payne Cars

01145537261 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£20,174

3L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu SEAT Derby

01332318533 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,150

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bournemouth Cars

01202051971 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£19,499

1.5L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,494

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,499

Finance available £466 pm

1.5L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros