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.

2,726 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,490

1.5L
82.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Autovillage

01242507315 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
69.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Galloway Motors

01333406894 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 123d M Sport Euro 4 2dr

Reduced

£2,289

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Highway Sales Ltd

01217288725 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 4 5dr

£1,500

2L
180.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TASKGROUP AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01506539091 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,590

Finance available £361 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mss Motor Group Ltd

01255440166 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,700

Finance available £319 pm

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,990

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,550

Finance available £191 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,949

Finance available £348 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

M J Motors staffs ltd

01782432853 *

BMW 1 Series2008 - 118i M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,295

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2006 - 118d ES 5dr

£1,450

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashfield Autos Ltd

02890023077 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,695

2L
108.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 3dr [Nav]

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.5L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116d M Sport 5-Door

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,290

1.5L
8.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dinnages Ford Haywards Heath

01444221466 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,990

2L
117.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 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