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.

2,697 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,777

Finance available £84 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 120d M Sport Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] 5-Door

Reduced

£22,876

Finance available £469 pm

2L
21.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £300 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

J A Autos Ltd

02038730334 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,945

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
51.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wilsons of Rathkenny Prestige

02821330027 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118D SPORT 5d AUTO 148 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,499

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

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

£19,624

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

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

£16,650

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Slough Cars

01753980473 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

3L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,475

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heathrow Carz

01753306795 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback-1 OWNER FROM NEW-FINISHED IN BLACK S 5-Door

£21,900

Finance available £429 pm

3L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

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

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car

01895544784 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£22,890

1.5L
26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Business Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trade UK

01246383671 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, PRIVACY GLASS)

£24,988

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 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