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.

2,648 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2014 BMW 1 Series 3.0 M135i Petrol Auto 3 Door Hatchback Grey

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
66.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Drive Time Specialist Cars Limited

01217288826 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£18,689

Finance available £363 pm

3L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Rides Group Ltd

01296324588 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - Bmw Hatchback 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,940

1.5L
860.0
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d Sport 5dr

£15,498

1.5L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

1.6L
138.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Motor Company Ltd

01895544170 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

2L
15.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 116d SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EQUUS VEHICLES LIMITED

01325521615 *

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
100.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Malt Mill Motors Plumtree

01158963973 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill Motorstore/Fiat/Abarth/Leap

01316036582 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S & J Cars and Commercials

01353883787 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,600

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,795

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] SE 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,498

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / AIR CON / PRIVACY ++

Low Mileage

£7,575

Finance available £147 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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 Series2018 - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Autos NI

02890023547 *

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