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.

2,655 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£17,999

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
95.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Llanfoist Car Sales

01873771886 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,296

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d SE 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
108.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

RB Cars

01989551050 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elgin Autos

01343610498 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,595

1.5L
102.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

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 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£15,600

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£9,500

1.5L
63.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Stockport

01613887682 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Urban 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,470

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,000

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Epsom

01372231864 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
82.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GAH AUTOS LTD

01777801476 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116d ES Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£9,299

Finance available £185 pm

1.6L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cavectra Centre

01375801182 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,980

1.5L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,873

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
80.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 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