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.

2,713 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,475

Finance available £100 pm

2L
116.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£22,970

2L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

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

£18,690

Finance available £363 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

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

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
75.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mike Wells Cars Ltd

01933421770 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£19,330

Finance available £377 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,450

61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,898

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos

02890023619 *

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

£15,100

Finance available £321 pm

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,259

Finance available £551 pm

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,800

Finance available £264 pm

2L
38.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

Reduced

£19,599

1.5L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,570

Finance available £236 pm

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellahi Motors Limited

01256679122 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (W) - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,800

Finance available £551 pm

2L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,945

Finance available £348 pm

2L
62.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greg Mitchell Motors

02881440365 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,990

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

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