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.

2,694 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTO UK

01484248051 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

1.5L
3.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,790

1.5L
70.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro pk]

£25,833

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 2dr

£2,995

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£27,995

Finance available £454 pm

2L
25.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
51.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Eagle Cars and Commercials Limited

01452596518 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,300

Finance available £417 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

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

£23,477

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,699

Finance available £497 pm

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

1.5L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MY MOTOR SMART LIMITED

01134689428 *

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 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 125d M SPORT 5-Door

£10,749

Finance available £218 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Find-My-Car.co.uk

01174404908 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,750

Finance available £365 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,498

2L
10.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Sunderland MG

01916070542 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i (136) Sport LCP 5dr Step Auto (Navigation)(Fr

£19,400

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorparks Preston

01772347475 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,794

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£29,999

Finance available £635 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

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