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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

3L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ceir Seiont Cars LTD

01248663519 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Apex Motors

01709919084 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
152.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr Auto [Sat Nav] 2015-15

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A B Trading

01273095162 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

£16,099

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Efficientdynamics 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

120.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barton Car Company

01395200673 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 116d SE 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / ULEZ / 78 MPG ++

Low Mileage

£9,475

Finance available £189 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

Low Mileage

£16,600

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,590

Finance available £237 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£17,200

Finance available £295 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

£27,450

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(21) - 2.0 128ti Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,699

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,905

Finance available £388 pm

1.5L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118D M SPORT 5DR

Low Mileage

£18,798

Finance available £366 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Thurrock Car Centre

01375808571 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
40.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Roy Hanna Motors

02894338774 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport 2-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

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

£23,371

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Automatic

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Bridgend

01656336621 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 116i Sport Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 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