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.

2,766 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£19,470

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,498

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Blackpool)

01253542260 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 - 118i M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Garrowhill Car Sales Ltd

01412601241 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Diesels Direct

01986807191 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,294

Finance available £163 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,100

Finance available £315 pm

1.5L
30.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,750

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,780

Finance available £174 pm

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

My Next Car

02039577412 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£21,790

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5-Door

£16,220

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,190

Finance available £161 pm

1.6L
38.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Alex Marc Motors

01389311467 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,600

Finance available £125 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Hub (Midlands)

01623703437 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £409 pm

2L
18.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.5L
110.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,499

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,250

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SHEFFIELD DIRECT MOTORS

01143218700 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£26,300

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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