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.

2,655 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
87.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Andy's Autos (North West) Limited

01257448830 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wynford Williams Car Sales

01970600150 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.6L
87.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118i ES Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,200

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£31,599

Finance available £670 pm

2L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,200

Finance available £139 pm

1.5L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Lighthouse Motors

01513177158 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,600

Finance available £341 pm

1.5L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116d ES 5dr DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE

£995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 123d SE 3dr

£1,990

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TS Motors

01282509437 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 120D SE 5DR

Reduced

£3,681

2L
115.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Daniel Maxwell Car Sales

01614139879 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 116i [2.0] Performance Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,460

Finance available £55 pm

2L
81.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BEN HARRISON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01202052313 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£26,498

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow Garscube Road Vauxhall / Leapmotor

01414736408 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,770

1.5L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£17,899

Finance available £366 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01513174824 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The House of Cars

01158227133 *

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