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.

2,722 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£12,195

1.5L
56.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,269

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,600

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Kays Automotive Ltd

01215160982 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d SE 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Carsite London

02038933723 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,448

Finance available £256 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
52.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

5/5 Stars

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 Series2013 - 2.0 116d M Sport 5 door

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CMD Commercials

01302243509 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£26,898

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£20,578

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1/Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,502

2L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall SKODA Leicester

01164646106 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120i Sport 2dr 6 SPEED MANUAL

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

KAR SPA

01708204891 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WILLENHALL CAR SALES

01902544675 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£21,599

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
21.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116

Reduced

£3,590

1.6L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros