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.

2,941 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£3,850

Finance available £64 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,898

2L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
104.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lewis Wood Bros Limited

01670339820 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,990

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

LS Autos

01306774216 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,900

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,300

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118D SE Auto 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
83.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

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

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
84.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,200

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Chesterfield Renault

01246381038 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ZAK CAR DEALERS LTD

01784778966 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,550

Finance available £169 pm

1.5L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Essex Car Store

01376319739 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (4D) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,491

Finance available £78 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118I SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Performance Cars Wales Ltd

02920711980 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,795

1.5L
119.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£15,998

1.5L
47.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Liverpool Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Kia

01515410738 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,672

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
78.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Muirhead Motor Company

01592407413 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£2,799

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Best Motor World

02476936645 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,200

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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