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.

2,726 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (AU) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

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

£16,990

Finance available £328 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Stores

01515419312 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£12,490

1.5L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£22,415

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Dagenham

02038924678 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Riverside Sports & Prestige

01924975090 *

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 Series2014 - 2.0 120d M Sport 3 door

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MUGIEMOSS AUTO CENTRE LTD

01224453658 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,850

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£13,895

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
71.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

1.6L
81.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

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

£19,350

Finance available £377 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

H & S Autos Ltd

01932565026 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140I Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,089

Finance available £413 pm

3L
35.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SKV Motors

01708202983 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,994

Finance available £201 pm

3L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,495

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

W18 Cars

01282501740 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£20,300

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,790

Finance available £174 pm

1.5L
87.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sterling Motor Group Ltd

02039537434 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,981

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
104.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 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