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.

2,700 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,800

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120i SE COUPE 2 DOOR (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Low Mileage

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£18,500

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,999

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Automotive GT Car Sales Ltd

01236802988 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 118i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,485

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
116.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ROSSENDALE MOTORS LTD

01706586855 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116 i Sport 1.6 Automatic 38000 Miles. LEATHER Camera. PETROL . PX OK 5-Door

Reduced

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.6L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

mhas

02038056893 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,432

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FK Car Sales

02825440922 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£7,195

Finance available £138 pm

1.5L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bells Budget Centre

02890023163 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,245

Finance available £318 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

KZ Autos Ltd

02476939692 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport 5dr ++ ZERO DEPOST 310 P/MTH + SAT NAV / LEATHER / ULEZ / DAB

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
27.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

County Cars of Strood

01634564273 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,895

Finance available £333 pm

3L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

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

£21,149

1.5L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£17,684

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
44.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£18,200

Finance available £339 pm

2L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

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