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.

2,802 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,588

Finance available £192 pm

1.5L
57.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M K Automobiles

01706577763 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 118d M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

FIDA MOTORS LIMITED

01279215830 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.6 Petrol 116i SE Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MERIT MOTORS LTD

01204324385 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

£2,495

1.6L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LCS MOTORS LTD

01213872428 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,995

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116D M Sport 5dr

£8,680

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
113.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,490

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elton Cars Ltd

01733666869 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,500

1.5L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,750

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,390

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellahi Motors Limited

01256679122 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d SE AUTO 5-Door

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

ALLCARS(sales)LIMITEDT/aAllcars

01945664266 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,600

1.5L
10.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d SE 5dr

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport [Live Cockpit Professional] DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE 5-Door

Reduced

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

4/5 Stars

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