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.

2,675 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2010 (N) - 120i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition 5-door

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Baytree Car Sales

01406430108 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,490

2L
66.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,195

1.5L
119.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,340

Finance available £186 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £412 pm

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£27,400

Finance available £475 pm

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,490

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£12,600

Finance available £259 pm

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,300

Finance available £208 pm

1.5L
64.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,494

Finance available £100 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

£20,000

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Peoples Ford Falkirk

01324461492 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

2L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

SM Cars Norwich

02039537466 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118i Urban 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

1.6L
106.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£21,599

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
21.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,595

Finance available £103 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Adamm Motors

01902951161 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116D Sport 5-Door

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

1.5L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PROLINE CAR CARE LTD

01604343536 *

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