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.

2,626 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

1.5L
121.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rydding Lane Auto Sale Ltd

01212697810 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
27.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

County Cars of Strood

01634564273 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116i M Sport 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,470

1.5L
36.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£18,666

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273252 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i SPORT [NAV/SERVOTRONIC] 3-Door

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
110.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MM AUTO CAR SALES

01382238685 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 Owner / Low

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,100

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,340

Finance available £186 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,740

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£17,798

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Aldershot

01252412344 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
72.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Variety Cars

01869221716 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,999

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£15,999

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

C M Car Sales

01773303785 *

4.5/5 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