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.

2,720 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 - M135i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

3L
77.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volvass Limited

01205330468 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MP Auto Group Limited

01743295540 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
61.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£20,500

Finance available £401 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,700

Finance available £428 pm

2L
12.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,049

Finance available £283 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01482697731 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,290

Finance available £252 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,980

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 - 118D M Sport 3-Door

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
128.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Van Station

01216615532 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - D SE 1.5DIESEL 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

Reduced

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£24,298

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hexham Used Car Centre

01434629849 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

2L
25.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Embleton Motor Company

01642937550 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,795

2L
159.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,900

Finance available £317 pm

1.5L
37.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116i M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.6L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SLD Autos

01443801332 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 125d M Sport 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,649

Finance available £296 pm

2L
57.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i 5Dr M Sport 1.5 Auto

Low Mileage

£24,199

1.5L
10.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gates of Waltham Cross

01992660808 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,466

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,990

1.5L
74.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Silverbrookes

01273027447 *

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