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.

3,063 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Reduced

£9,495

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Diesels Direct

01986807191 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,850

Finance available £265 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

X AUTOHAUS

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£31,250

Finance available £621 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£13,700

Finance available £284 pm

3L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£23,000

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.6 116d EfficientDynamics Business 5 door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
109.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SRE Motors Ltd

01782432860 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 118d Urban 5-Door

£5,990

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

R L Motor Services

01752987299 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£23,990

2L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone Select Bracknell

01344202530 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,990

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMITED

02039537447 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,300

Finance available £185 pm

2L
81.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoCare Solutions Limited

01767661147 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,698

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£25,049

2L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Coventry

02475187133 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,850

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AC CARS

01162162474 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,290

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 116d Urban Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,490

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LMA Motors Leicester

01164028882 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,578

Finance available £102 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,495

Finance available £221 pm

2L
59.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.