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.

2,614 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01633742355 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S B Cars

01784776677 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

2.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,895

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,790

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
52.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Stockton-on-Tees

01642937613 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118D M SPORT 5DR

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Thurrock Car Centre

01375808571 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav]

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Reduced

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
81.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
59.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Motors

01782917199 *

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

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

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

£10,895

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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

£2,995

1.6L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,600

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mount Vernon Motors

01416119897 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,176

Finance available £540 pm

2L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,200

Finance available £387 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £514 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FS Performance Ltd

01582280332 *

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