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.

2,718 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£10,090

Finance available £203 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
127.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d Sport 5dr GREAT EXAMPLE!

£2,750

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KFM MOTORHAUS LIMITED

01639501384 *

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

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
84.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

PreOwned Cars

01789335497 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120d M Sport Coupe 2-Door

£4,288

Finance available £73 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118D SPORT 5DR [NAV/SERVOTRONIC] STEP AUTO

Low Mileage

£12,918

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Oldham

01616720327 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hawkins Motors

01939550262 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£42,890

2L
5.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,584

Finance available £125 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (RU) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

3L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-door

Reduced

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,000

Finance available £387 pm

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118I [136] M SPORT 5DR [LIVE COCKPIT PROFESSIONAL]

Low Mileage

£20,490

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Honda St Albans

01727225004 *

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