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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

3L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Tyrala Performance Cars

01913387311 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,699

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,799

2L
127.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shotton Part EX Change Centre

01913002315 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto, HEATED SEATS, CRUISE CONTROL, REAR PRIVAC

Low Mileage

£21,970

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Barnsley

01226107151 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116D Sport 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
96.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Malt Mill Motors Ltd

01156848099 *

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

£18,910

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
87.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sterling Motor Group Ltd

02039537434 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 59 PLATE BMW 118d Sport 2dr CONVERTABLE ,RED

Reduced

£3,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cowbridge Road Motor Company

02920027040 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - 120 M Sport 5-Door

£30,700

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr

Reduced

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,800

Finance available £520 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carter and Haines

01244562742 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i ES Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,500

1.5L
48.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Wilmslow

01625789326 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,495

1.5L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

W18 Cars

01282501740 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d 2.0 Diesel Sport 5-Door From £3,695 + Retail Package

Reduced

£3,695

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

A ONE MOTORS LTD

01143086574 *

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