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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,992

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,290

Finance available £163 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prime Vans

01156976373 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
126.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

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

£25,895

Finance available £523 pm

2L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,264

Finance available £207 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 125i [224] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£10,989

Finance available £223 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BEECHES MOTOR ZONE LTD

01535280436 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (07) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,997

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

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

£29,990

1.5L
7.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 - 2.0 SE 5dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Of Kent

01634957989 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fitzroy Motor Co

01425203840 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116D SE 5-Door

Reduced

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blenheim Cars LTD

01865411816 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£13,190

Finance available £272 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mount Vernon Motors

01416119897 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

1.5L
134.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,900

Finance available £334 pm

3L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr Step AUTO DIESEL 79000 MILES

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 125d M Sport 5-Door

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Castle Cars

01736806432 *

4.4/5 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