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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,250

Finance available £229 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 89886 5-Door

£16,252

1.5L
44.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118I SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Skinners of Rye

01797330908 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav]

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,602

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
102.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116i SE 5dr Step Auto [Business Media]

Low Mileage

£8,449

Finance available £166 pm

1.6L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,480

1.5L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,900

Finance available £594 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120i Sport 2dr 6 SPEED MANUAL

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

KAR SPA

01708204891 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
66.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Leamington Spa

01926569991 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 120i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

Reduced

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMRM Cars Ltd

01992666288 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
78.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,999

1.6L
72.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118I M SPORT 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Taylor Motor Group (Farndon Road)

01636554121 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto, HEATED SEATS, CRUISE CONTROL, REAR PRIVAC

Low Mileage

£21,970

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Barnsley

01226107151 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (11) - 116i SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SIGNATURE CAR SALES LIMITED

01634564265 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£15,808

Finance available £311 pm

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

Reduced

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 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