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.

2,609 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,799

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 116d ES 5dr

£2,495

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
62.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,599

Finance available £237 pm

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CG MOTORLAND LIMITED

01162165595 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,599

Finance available £517 pm

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 (302bhp) M135i xDrive Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,450

Finance available £626 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke

01256268425 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

Low Mileage

£20,250

1.5L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pentagon Peugeot (Barnsley)

01226695727 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£13,190

Finance available £272 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Slough Cars

01753980473 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,920

Finance available £471 pm

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Buy and Go Cars

02920108594 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarConnect UK

01252410759 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 116d Sport 5-door

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
175.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d Ed PLUS 5-Door

£6,199

Finance available £116 pm

1.5L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northstar Motors

01913230039 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 120d Sport 5-Door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Powells Motors MOT

01709288261 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

1.6L
71.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nationwide Car Auction Limited

02039577360 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,999

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Hunters

01621733521 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,295

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

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