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.

2,598 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,749

Finance available £344 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120i SE Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
98.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 3.0 135i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol DCT Euro 5 (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,506

3L
96.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 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 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,345

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£15,399

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
63.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d SE 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kars co uk Limited

01494414524 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£24,290

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,795

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£15,498

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,995

2L
2.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Stockton Volvo

01642573404 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 116d SE DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,790

Finance available £219 pm

1.5L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

3L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Z a motors

01785336152 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,790

Finance available £62 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Quality Cars

01942590040 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,744

Finance available £427 pm

3L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,799

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116D M SPORT 3DR STEP AUTO 2015 (15) £20 TAX 2 KEYS HPI CLEAR ULEZ FREE

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.5L
159.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nationwide Car Auction Limited

02039577360 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£13,095

1.5L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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