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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

£17,149

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
43.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,190

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 120d SE 2dr

£2,990

2L
141.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Light Commercials and Cars

01924793253 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,450

Finance available £358 pm

3L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2005 - 118I SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheaper Cars Caerphilly

02920108588 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£18,029

Finance available £369 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £412 pm

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / HARMON KARDON / DAB / ULEZ ++

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Hunters

01621733521 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
91.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,114

Finance available £293 pm

1.5L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,700

Finance available £292 pm

1.5L
62.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,500

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
92.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£19,395

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,500

Finance available £421 pm

2L
18.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116 i Sport 1.6 Automatic 39000 Miles. PETROL . PX OK 5-Door

Reduced

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

mhas

02038056893 *

BMW 1 Series2005 - 120i SE 5-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (W) - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech+/Pro Pack]

£40,136

2L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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