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.

2,720 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Green Autos

01924667351 *

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

£21,508

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Maidstone

01622427500 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Efficientdynamics 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

120.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barton Car Company

01395200673 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,099

Finance available £484 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d SE 5dr Step Auto

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

2L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,395

Finance available £143 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SR Cars

01736806431 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,390

Finance available £165 pm

1.5L
85.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sterling Motor Group Ltd

02039537434 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,970

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport 5dr (LCP)(SAT NAV, HALF LEATHER)

£17,988

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£26,000

Finance available £514 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,440

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,498

2L
10.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Sunderland MG

01916070542 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£25,700

Finance available £507 pm

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

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

£14,995

1.5L
72.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,530

Finance available £124 pm

1.6L
70.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
105.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Nation Ltd

01945664291 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Level Autos

01296791923 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,991

Finance available £246 pm

2L
65.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Bazaar ltd

01143086594 *

5/5 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