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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£3,399

Finance available £54 pm

1.6L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£22,749

Finance available £476 pm

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 2dr

£2,995

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Julian Motor Sales

01993463580 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 2.0 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps) 5-Door

Reduced

£29,999

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£19,699

Finance available £409 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

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

Reduced

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TS Motors

01282509437 *

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

£16,501

1.5L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Birmingham Central

01217525801 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

£1,395

2L
177.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£21,477

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Exeter

01392342522 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116i M sports

Low Mileage

£7,450

Finance available £144 pm

44.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Not Supplied

Loyal Corporations (UK) LIMITED

02476936627 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Aster Cars

01733971204 *

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

£17,700

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

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

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ALLCARS(sales)LIMITEDT/aAllcars

01945664266 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RJ CARS

01293228303 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

Reduced

£23,495

Finance available £523 pm

2L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

S J Davidson

02887447997 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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