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.

2,777 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i SE Business 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dryden BCS

01212722017 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
98.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,795

2L
159.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1/Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£19,895

Finance available £439 pm

2L
27.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£7,480

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car King

01522309949 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EfficientDynamics 3dr

Reduced

£3,796

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,195

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (Z8) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,500

Finance available £458 pm

3L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,698

1.5L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Abarth (Glasgow)

01416118816 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(13) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

120.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,500

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,999

Finance available £482 pm

1.5L
11.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,100

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K Motors London Ltd

02037587409 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,999

1.5L
105.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual-2 FORMER KEEPERS-FINISHED IN MINERAL

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

3L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

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

£9,440

2L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 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