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.

2,691 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Car Sales (NI) Ltd

02889440217 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

2L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£19,499

Finance available £380 pm

3L
57.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sansoms Specialist Cars Limited

01916077550 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,200

Finance available £279 pm

2L
48.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

£21,295

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav] - NOW RESERVED!!!

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i M Sport Turbo 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr

£15,599

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

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

£21,597

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,799

2L
37.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 130i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,400

1.6L
84.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,055

Finance available £453 pm

1.5L
17.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Renault Retail Group Orpington

01689666121 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120i SE 2dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

1.5L
137.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOMOTIVE PRESTIGE LTD

01162162548 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,899

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Aran Used Car

01215165146 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 123d SE 2dr Coupe (59 Reg)Leather Nav Elec Roof F/S/H Top Spec STUNNING EXA

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Let's Go Cars

01634471234 *

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