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.

2,766 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,811

1.5L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

1.5L
5.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 35 TAX / 65.7 MPG / DAB / BLUETOOTH

Low Mileage

£6,875

Finance available £131 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carselect1.com

01563593226 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i SPORT 5-Door

£12,475

Finance available £256 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JMV

01634564263 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Deeside Motor Centre Ltd

01244565351 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

3L
49.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DMS Prestige Limited

01992661584 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,700

Finance available £194 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118I [1.5] M SPORT 5DR

£18,914

1.5L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Manchester

01613836264 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,940

2L
44.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 95582 5-Door

£19,287

1.5L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

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

£2,995

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,084

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 123d M Sport 2dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Mike Bass

01884211283 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - Hatchback (2011 - 2015) 5-Door

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro Cars Ltd

01234987565 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 116 Performance Edition 3 door

£2,995

2L
113.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cardiff Car Sales

02922679545 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cavectra Centre

01375801182 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

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