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.

2,623 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£24,600

Finance available £430 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

£27,941

2L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,925

Finance available £110 pm

1.5L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d M Sport 5dr £35 a year road tax

£1,995

2L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Great yarmouth car sales

01493807050 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,998

2L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore / BYD (Linwood)

01414736404 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£19,486

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d Sport 3dr £35 Road Tax

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Maximum Car Supermarket

02392002264 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,990

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,974

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,795

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £529 pm

2L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,380

Finance available £321 pm

1.5L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,899

Finance available £244 pm

1.5L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

IBZ Motors

02039897125 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 118D M Sport 3-Door

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
128.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Van Station

01216615532 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr - FULL SERVICE

Low Mileage

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAK Automobiles Limited

01613887756 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,800

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d SE 3dr

Reduced

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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