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.

2,722 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 114i SE 5dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
102.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
93.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RB Cars

01989551050 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 3.0 M135i Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£18,500

Finance available £317 pm

1.5L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ben Kemp Ltd

01603937008 *

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 Series2019 - 116d M Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic] Manual

£11,999

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,700

1.5L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£19,196

1.5L
17.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

£15,600

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£19,199

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Audi Technik Centre

01412601247 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118d Sport 5dr + 1 OWNER / NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH

Low Mileage

£10,575

Finance available £214 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
109.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Elderwood Motors

01733667440 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£13,599

1.5L
74.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,000

1.5L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 118i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

R Henry Car Sales LTD

02890026881 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dunwoody Car Sales

02890023606 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£20,386

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

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