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.

2,623 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

2L
69.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,099

Finance available £479 pm

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FIDA MOTORS LIMITED

01279215830 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,750

Finance available £570 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.6 120i M Sports With sunroof

Low Mileage

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

1.6L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Loyal Corporations (UK) LIMITED

02476936627 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

North Star Sussex Ltd

01273003666 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,699

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crosslands Vehicles Ltd

01487801991 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 123d SE 2dr Coupe (59 Reg)Leather Nav Elec Roof F/S/H Top Spec STUNNING EXA

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Let's Go Cars

01634471234 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition M140i Replica - Lovely Example - 45MPG 5-Door

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 120d M Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales Ltd

01594809268 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116D SPORT 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Business Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,895

Finance available £207 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)+2 KEYS+1 F

Low Mileage

£15,690

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

2L
15.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW 1 Series(61) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

£16,299

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116D M Sport 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
98.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ceir Seiont Cars LTD

01248663519 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,770

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,290

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros