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.

2,700 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

3L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpheton Garage Ltd

01787323800 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£11,100

Finance available £226 pm

1.5L
51.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,549

Finance available £229 pm

2L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,499

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-DoorCOMFORT PACKAGEONLY 3 OWNERSHEXAGON ALCANTARA SEATS

Low Mileage

£11,470

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Priddys Motor Company Ltd

01823218126 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,450

1.5L
22.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

1.5L
5.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£29,990

1.5L
7.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 - 118d Edition ES 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

2L
73.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

West View Motor Company

01768800648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,700

Finance available £127 pm

1.5L
76.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£19,290

2L
41.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116i M Sport 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMC MOTORS

01316036531 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,600

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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