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.

2,680 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,895

Finance available £207 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fox 4X4 Specialist

01384881134 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d 2.0 Diesel Sport 5-Door From £3,695 + Retail Package

Reduced

£3,695

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£19,499

1.5L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,495

1.5L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Garrowhill Car Sales Ltd

01412601241 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£23,681

1.5L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
70.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Pontardulais Motor Company Swansea

01792940427 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,995

1.6L
134.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
101.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£11,295

1.5L
107.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,200

Finance available £317 pm

2L
40.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,970

1.5L
40.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,998

2L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d Exclusive Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (177 ps) LE

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
120.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Autopoint (Stansted) Ltd

01279212477 *

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

Reduced

£10,199

Finance available £206 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 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