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.

2,676 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,395

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,599

Finance available £192 pm

1.5L
53.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pine Lodge Cars

01948805118 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,940

2L
44.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorology

01515417934 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,000

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Central

01217287201 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

1.5L
75.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£11,800

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,400

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
48.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

1.5L
53.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech+/Pro Pack]

£39,189

2L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

M J Motors staffs ltd

01782432853 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,390

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 120D xDrive M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,975

Finance available £245 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,900

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 120d M Sport 3dr

£2,995

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kaseys Cars

01926357464 *

BMW 1 Series(17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 135i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Junction 5 Car Sales

01494977888 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 118i SE 5 door

Reduced

£4,995

2L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dryden BCS

01212722017 *

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