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.

2,697 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] Automatic

Low Mileage

£28,690

Finance available £569 pm

2L
7.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

D M Keith SKODA Grimsby

01472404046 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 3.0 1 Series M 2dr

Low Mileage

£48,990

Finance available £986 pm

3L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Churchs Performance Cars

01403331228 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,466

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Platinum Car Sales Ltd

01685702348 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,299

Finance available £554 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£23,283

Finance available £508 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,995

Finance available £336 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £552 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.5L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,055

Finance available £453 pm

1.5L
17.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Renault Retail Group Orpington

01689666121 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Falling Lane Cars

01895541825 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RW MOTORS Ltd

02890026905 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,900

Finance available £499 pm

2L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,999

1.5L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport 2-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118D SPORT PLUS EDITION 2-Door

Reduced

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

BHP Autos

01707242955 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,200

Finance available £139 pm

1.5L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - BMW 1 Series 1.5 M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£19,295

1.5L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Ross-on-Wye

01989554131 *

4.6/5 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