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.

2,777 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 116 Performance Edition 3 door

£2,995

2L
113.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cardiff Car Sales

02922679545 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,799

1.5L
27.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,249

Finance available £439 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,795

1.5L
57.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

W18 Cars

01282501740 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116i M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,997

Finance available £89 pm

2L
108.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£10,090

Finance available £191 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

2L
66.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BM Autoexchange

02891244334 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,995

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

£21,498

1.5L
29.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Vauxhall / Peugeot

01224010176 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
123.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RAPID AUTOS LIMITED

01782917185 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£15,049

Finance available £304 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) Pano

£15,990

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
57.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£30,495

2L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

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

£22,962

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Woodston Cars LTD

01733794288 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,994

2L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£12,790

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,450

Finance available £400 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

S J Davidson

02887447997 *

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