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.

2,602 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - Sport 5-Door

£15,999

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Hull

01482947530 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i Sport 5-Door

£19,999

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Peat Motors Ltd

01529401220 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) - ELECTRIC

£14,728

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Anwick Car Sales

01526800320 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,400

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - D SE 1.5DIESEL 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

Reduced

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
67.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tamebridge Cars Ltd

01642049641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr - super clean - see video

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Roston Park Motors

02476017022 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 8.8in D

£15,285

Finance available £293 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WILLENHALL CAR SALES

01902544675 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,631

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Trade N Save Centre

01452227275 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Old Wool Motors

01616944295 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Heathrow Car Centre

01895542968 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (62) - 120d M Sport 5dr (1 year warranty c/w breakdown cover)(BT/DAB/AUX/USB)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
73.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kirkcaldy Motor Company Ltd

01592407734 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 116i [2.0] Performance Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,460

Finance available £55 pm

2L
81.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,150

Finance available £70 pm

1.6L
87.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rochdale Motors Group Limited

01706391404 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,546

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stephen James BMW Woolwich

02038928053 *

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

£20,895

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

T Wall Garages Vauxhall - Kingswinford

01384881243 *

0/5 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