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.

2,803 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£23,871

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - Hatchback (2011 - 2015) 5-Door

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro Cars Ltd

01234987565 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,500

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£31,299

Finance available £663 pm

2L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,595

Finance available £237 pm

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£20,800

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.5L
109.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 116D DCT M Sport Heated Seats M Sport Pro Pack 18 Orbit Grey Alloys Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,445

Finance available £461 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Riverside Volvo Wakefield

01924669388 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trunk Road Budget Cars

01642061101 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,000

2L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2008 - 2.0 SE 5dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
84.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Of Kent

01634957989 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr

£9,699

1.5L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilwinning Autoplex

01294440522 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

1.6L
80.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Daily Cars

02038924800 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,399

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 1 OWNER

£14,395

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,850

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

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

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