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.

2,896 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McFadden Motors

02879440897 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120i Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,000

2L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Vortex Cars Limited

01614700153 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,200

1.5L
65.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JC Select Perth

01738501971 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£19,850

Finance available £387 pm

2L
77.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204969299 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,330

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£33,500

Finance available £756 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Trade Cars and Commercials

01661520494 *

0/5 Stars

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

£6,994

Finance available £134 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (64) - 116I 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Red Motors

02039899396 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 5dr 118i 136 M Sport Automatic

Low Mileage

£24,495

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Frosts Chichester

01243219542 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£30,550

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bulgari Performance Ltd

01274087667 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d SE 2dr

£2,995

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
47.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,790

1.5L
114.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Buckley Trade Centre

01352871794 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 89886 5-Door

£15,955

1.5L
44.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,999

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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