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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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 Series2013 - 120d Exclusive Edition 2-Door

Reduced

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

2L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

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

£19,300

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d SE 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£4,595

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,490

2L
66.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,899

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2005 - 2.0 120I Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£20,000

3L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) 5dr DCT (SAT NAV, HALF LEATHER)

£21,988

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,498

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hyundai Mazda Used Cars (Linwood)

01414060040 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bournemouth Cars

01202051971 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dct Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

£21,490

19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Kings Lynn

01553605787 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Atlas Motor Company

01603980238 *

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 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,900

Finance available £321 pm

1.5L
21.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

North Star Sussex Ltd

01273003666 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Level Autos

01296791923 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros