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.

2,870 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£17,595

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Motornation Derby

01228582111 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,890

Finance available £216 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto ++ SAT NAV / 35 TAX / ULEZ / DAB / FSH ++

£8,375

Finance available £165 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£23,371

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

3L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120i M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£12,899

2L
61.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Irvine Outlet & EV Centre

01294444950 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

Reduced

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

3L
66.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i Sport 5dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

J LALL CARS OF BLACKPOOL

01253376711 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

3L
100.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

NK Sports and Prestige Centre

01332315079 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118I [1.5] M SPORT 5DR [NAV]

£17,800

1.5L
39.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Birmingham

01217525804 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£21,999

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 123d M Sport 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Powells Motors MOT

01709288261 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i Shadow Edition 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5-Door

£15,997

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,995

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Parkside Motors Ltd

02039475180 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Three Pines Garage Limited

01885477786 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) - DRIVING MOD

£14,067

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros