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.

2,587 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Autos NI

02890023547 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,250

Finance available £120 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive Auto 5dr - Virtual Cockpit & Apple CarPlay & Heated Seats

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,249

Finance available £184 pm

39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£29,450

2L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£850

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GVP Car Sales Ltd

01216618719 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£22,293

2L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Grantham

01476851380 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Platinum Car Sales Ltd

01685702348 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 120i Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Somerset Motor Exchange

01934312897 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

REVENTO MOTORS LTD

01752425627 *

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

Reduced

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 120d SE 2dr

£2,990

2L
141.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Light Commercials and Cars

01924793253 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heatherland Car Sales

01515417916 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£24,998

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Dunfermline)

01383660626 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5-Door

£16,420

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£24,299

Finance available £510 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 116i [2.0] SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Swinton Vauxhall

01709803690 *

4.6/5 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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros