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.

2,718 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d SPORT CONVERTIBLE 2DR DIESEL MANUAL EURO 5 (143 PS)

£2,544

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

The Van Sales Company

01616944772 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

3L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Earls Autos

01733977929 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 116d SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Russell Cooper Low Mileage Cars and Vans

01635884970 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d Sport 5dr

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Manor Cars

01752427493 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dennis Maltby LTD

01754800944 *

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 120i SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£2,695

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Atlas Motor Company

01603980238 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 120i SE 2-Door

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
102.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

SLD Autos

01443801332 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M SPORT Manual 5-Door

Reduced

£16,150

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
41.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M.R.King & Sons Woodbridge

01728440919 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,350

Finance available £624 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 120D M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£21,720

Finance available £463 pm

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
100.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motoworld (Leeds)

01134676319 *

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 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,499

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£23,719

1.5L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 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