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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£32,000

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£2,295

1.6L
115.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

£35,000

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hatt Service Centre

01752973301 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Three Pines Garage Limited

01885477786 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr

£15,599

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 120d M Sport 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MDLUXEAUTO

01162166642 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,988

1.5L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,495

1.5L
8.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,700

Finance available £83 pm

1.5L
130.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Hub (Midlands)

01623703437 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
72.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,049

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 1 Series 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto

Low Mileage

£15,849

2L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Norton Way Peugeot

01462411083 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
47.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 116d ES Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr - FULL SERVICE

Low Mileage

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAK Automobiles Limited

01613887756 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

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