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.

2,791 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 116d M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£15,499

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,990

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMITED

02039537447 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 120d M Sport 5-Door

£26,000

2L
24.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

Low Mileage

£19,712

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,350

Finance available £541 pm

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,100

2L
27.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 5dr

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

3L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JCT 7 Car Sales Ltd

01922661978 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118i SPORT AUTOMATIC/STEPTRONIC CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

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

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HR Cars

01494927722 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Reduced

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
122.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,780

Finance available £174 pm

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

My Next Car

02039577412 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,800

Finance available £653 pm

2L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,400

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,945

2L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JB Quality Cars

01942590040 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,290

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bedford Car Centre

01234987603 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros