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.

2,739 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,099

Finance available £270 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,998

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Stoke on Trent)

01782432704 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
60.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
43.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

W R Car Sales Limited

01274087616 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£20,499

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 120i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

Reduced

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMRM Cars Ltd

01992666288 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204939561 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

£23,998

1.5L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,699

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i Urban Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,595

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
109.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Cars and Commercials Ltd

01227203373 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,495

1.5L
32.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Milton Keynes Peugeot

01908049752 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Of Essex Ltd

01992367296 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
13.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South West Motor Sales

01744419366 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (62) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
117.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Capricorn Car Sales

01244569029 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£22,795

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Roadside Garages

02870449515 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£20,000

Finance available £416 pm

3L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,350

Finance available £455 pm

2L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116d M SPORT 2 LITRE DIESEL FULL LEATHER 5-Door

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
124.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,500

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

Reduced

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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