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.

2,707 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,490

Finance available £492 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£26,500

Finance available £454 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive Step Auto [Pro Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,197

Finance available £519 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,499

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d ED Plus 5-Door

Reduced

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
64.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Balmoral Motor Company Limited

01313702477 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£21,898

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BELLE VUE MOTORS

01697920510 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,491

1.5L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,151

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Melton Mowbray

01664490868 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,399

Finance available £293 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rainham Motors LTD

01708205565 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,399

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
37.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d M Sport [143] Just Serviced, MOT 01/26, 74 MPG & £35 Tax 5-Door

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Doncaster Motors Ltd

01302976037 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

1.5L
109.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evolve Motor Company

01633741704 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

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