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.

2,621 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
41.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

5/5 Stars

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

£26,950

1.5L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport Automatic Steptronic 140PS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

2.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,200

Finance available £387 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,795

2L
159.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Reduced

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto2000 Prestige Cars

02037808184 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
67.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

3L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Per4mance Cars Limited

01625468256 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

2L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) FSH X7!

£12,495

1.5L
93.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Bristol North

01173701262 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116D SPORT 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SJ Poulton Car Sales

01279967338 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NEWTON MOTORS LIMITED

01172331676 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - BMW 118i M Sport 1.5 5drs

£18,200

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Gloucester

01452227254 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118D Sport Auto 3-Door

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RGS CARS LIMITED

01403331258 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mount Vernon Motors

01416119897 *

0/5 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