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.

2,909 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fox 4X4 Specialist

01384881134 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 118d SE 2-Door

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

A R Used Cars Ltd

01280730307 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

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

£29,089

Finance available £590 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,885

Finance available £154 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Norton Car Sales Limited

01616720268 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,300

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,475

Finance available £421 pm

3L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i [136] SE 5dr

£11,995

1.5L
91.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual-FINISHED IN GLACIER SILVER CLO

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

3L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Larks Motor Group

01767661313 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto + SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / BMW HISTORY

£11,275

Finance available £230 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,100

Finance available £248 pm

1.5L
56.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,700

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
86.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

Low Mileage

£13,000

Finance available £273 pm

1.5L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,980

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
61.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,799

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto + SAT NAV / 7 BMW SERVICES / 35 TAX / ULEZ +

Low Mileage

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,494

Finance available £100 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
64.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sheffield Car Centre Ltd

01144786513 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) 2

Reduced

£16,850

Finance available £325 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 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