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.

2,691 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,200

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-door

Reduced

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,300

1.5L
110.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BINCA

01525307120 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
94.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£21,248

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Northampton

01604343506 *

4.6/5 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 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
64.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Balmoral Motor Company Limited

01313702477 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 116 SE 1.5D 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
51.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,900

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,697

Finance available £153 pm

1.5L
91.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
130.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.6 118i 5-door Sport Sports Hatch

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

1.6L
110.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,578

Finance available £147 pm

1.5L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CG MOTORLAND LIMITED

01162165595 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (15)

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

CAZOON LTD

01162165624 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,790

Finance available £107 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dedicated Motor Company Ltd

01709913919 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,550

Finance available £258 pm

2L
56.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i M Sport Turbo 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr Step Auto (LCP / PRO PACK)

Reduced

£24,880

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corvette & INEOS Midlands

01675627077 *

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