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.

2,714 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d SE [Nav/Servotronic] 5-Door

£9,697

Finance available £186 pm

1.5L
57.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Preston

01772285529 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£20,506

1.5L
29.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£14,200

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 5dr

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

3L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JCT 7 Car Sales Ltd

01922661978 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
96.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy MG

01592803930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116I SPORT 5d 135 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Central

01217287201 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2015 BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i Sport Petrol Automatic 5-Door Hatchback Red.

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr DAMAGED SALVAGE CAT N

£2,750

1.5L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KSS Cars Ltd

01279212249 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,390

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

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 Series2015 - 125d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mervyn Purdy Motors

02890023759 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 1.5 120i MHT M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,499

1.5L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.6 120i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (177 ps)

£7,495

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Walmersleys Trade Centre

01614139856 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,994

Finance available £156 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116I SPORT 5d 135 BHP 5-Door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
100.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£20,600

3L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£20,000

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Peoples Ford Falkirk

01324461492 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£5,095

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d 2.0 M Sport 3dr TOP SPEC

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
115.0K
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