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.

2,594 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SPORT 3-Door

Low Mileage

£10,749

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Uppingham Car Sales

01572490993 *

0/5 Stars

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

£24,599

Finance available £517 pm

1.5L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,691

Finance available £239 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO RANGE TRADE CENTRE LTD

01443801307 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,399

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
54.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,099

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Deeside Motor Centre Ltd

01244565351 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,792

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Stirling)

01786232223 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,130

2L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,980

Finance available £268 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d SE 5dr

£14,990

Finance available £287 pm

1.5L
32.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,700

Finance available £328 pm

2L
40.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,898

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corus Automotives

01777800508 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,999

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

2L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Hodgson Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365192 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,500

1.6L
74.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

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