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.

2,756 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - SPORT | Satellite Navigation | Auto Lights/Wipers Manual 5-Door

£9,400

1.5L
63.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Stockport

01613887682 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,240

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr New MOT £35 Road tax £3495

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J H NORMAN & SONS

01935311713 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Reduced

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

3L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,499

Finance available £317 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,499

1.5L
40.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 125d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

2L
113.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars2u

01473354250 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wynford Williams Car Sales

01970600150 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,298

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hexham GWM

01434629849 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MOTO PORIUM LTD

01274924177 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116D M SPORT 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

£5,000

2L
126.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£25,449

Finance available £557 pm

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
98.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

3L
77.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Stockton-on-Tees

01642937613 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
56.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,782

Finance available £468 pm

1.5L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

4.8/5 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