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.

2,688 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£23,650

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,970

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 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 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,290

Finance available £252 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

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] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,699

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crosslands Vehicles Ltd

01487801991 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£14,995

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr [Plus Pack] Manual

£16,395

Finance available £344 pm

2L
58.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£14,470

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fermanagh Auto Sales

02868336501 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£15,999

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - NOW SOLD - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Palamino NW Ltd

01704335673 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118D M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5d 147 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

King Street Motor Company

01782917189 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,590

Finance available £361 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 5dr

£1,695

2L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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