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.

2,797 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Victory Car Sales

01728441255 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
58.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

1.5L
94.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hartlebury Cars

01562547645 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 Owner / Low

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£26,000

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech+/Pro Pack]

£31,825

1.5L
8.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,440

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car Nation Ltd

01945664291 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£7,990

2L
117.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118D M SPORT 5DR

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Thurrock Car Centre

01375808571 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

South Coast Jap Autos

01184676536 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,300

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,990

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - M140i 3dr [Nav] Step Auto SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£18,495

3L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Carlisle

01228273233 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series(15) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Falcon Motors Ltd

01708200654 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 1 OWNER

Reduced

£17,545

1.5L
49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i Urban Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,595

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
109.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Cars and Commercials Ltd

01227203373 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,675

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
47.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cavectra Centre

01375801182 *

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