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.

2,609 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,999

1.5L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,995

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 120d SE 2dr

£2,990

2L
141.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Light Commercials and Cars

01924793253 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,250

Finance available £478 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

torquepoint

01908765737 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d Sport 5dr

£15,498

1.5L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,979

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,989

Finance available £357 pm

3L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Trade N Save Centre

01452227275 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (14) - 116i Sports - 1.6L Petrol-Automatic-Ulez/caz pass-Free 24months gold warran 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,099

Finance available £136 pm

1.6L
35.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carolina Motors UK

01733666958 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£24,498

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Old Wool Motors

01616944295 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 116d ES Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£2,990

2L
107.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motors Avenue Inc

01483917624 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
102.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,130

2L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£18,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01452227360 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,899

Finance available £132 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,994

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-Door

£13,190

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
57.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

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