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.

2,791 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Deeside Motor Centre Ltd

01244565351 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£2,795

1.6L
172.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hexon Cars Ltd

01296323163 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,750

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wyze Motors LTD

01753379105 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 D M SPORT 5Dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Master Cars Bedford

01767668796 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Grange Road Motors

02886273066 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
97.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,622

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,698

1.5L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Perth

01738230553 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,615

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Harrogate

01423648264 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (06) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,000

1.6L
125.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5-Door

£15,997

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

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 Series2009 - 118d SE 3-Door

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £503 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,675

Finance available £194 pm

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lucky Seven Motors

02034359499 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Medway bridge Marina Ltd

01634558838 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i SE Business 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dryden BCS

01212722017 *

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