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.

2,641 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d ES 2dr

£2,995

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Tickhill Trade Cars

01302246799 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
58.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech+/Pro Pack]

£39,658

2L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

2L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars2u

01473354250 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,795

2L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Wheels In Motion Sherborne

01935311739 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120D M SPORT 3DR AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£13,490

Finance available £296 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Deepdale Motor Company

01772376077 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,502

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Falling Lane Cars

01895541825 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£30,678

2L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,400

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d M Sport 5dr

£2,775

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barnyard Trade Cars Limited

01788227357 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,549

Finance available £318 pm

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116d ES 5dr DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE

£995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 118d M Sport 2dr

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Elite Motor Group LTD

01782389098 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,880

Finance available £176 pm

2L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Velvis Cars

01206986293 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,499

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Autos NI

02890023547 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,550

Finance available £124 pm

1.6L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Stop

01706586793 *

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