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.

2,753 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£14,999

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - BLUETOOT

Low Mileage

£14,096

Finance available £275 pm

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,490

Finance available £100 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118d SE 5dr [Nav]

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BEN HARRISON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01202052313 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£22,663

2L
34.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£27,950

Finance available £554 pm

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,399

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,500

1.6L
74.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,399

Finance available £355 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

£19,999

Finance available £412 pm

2L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 128ti Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,990

2L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) 2

£16,990

Finance available £328 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,747

1.5L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116i SE 5dr Step Auto [Business Media]

Low Mileage

£8,449

Finance available £166 pm

1.6L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Magor Motor Company

01633741705 *

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