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.

2,766 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£27,495

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,245

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£24,100

Finance available £422 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 5-Door

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HT NIHON MOTORS LTD

01162165685 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 114i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,200

Finance available £72 pm

1.6L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CARS IN LTD SOUTHALL

02038731385 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,490

1.5L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,600

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,191

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect MG Scarborough

01723338733 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,497

Finance available £354 pm

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,298

2L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 2.0 M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 SeriesM140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto Full History HEATED SEATS, FULL LEAT

£19,500

3L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Mallusk

02890026913 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
83.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARS-WORCESTER

01905676567 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto £20 tax new shape leather camera

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JD Cars

01443809140 *

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

£21,159

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,350

Finance available £336 pm

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (05) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Car Sales B33

01217288818 *

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