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.

2,603 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport [Plus Pack] [Tech Pack II] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,697

Finance available £358 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,970

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£12,499

1.5L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Belmont Autos

01416118595 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Diesel Hatchback

£26,027

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Adamm Motors

01902951161 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,748

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Motor Brokers

01922661947 *

0/5 Stars

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

£20,999

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,195

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 116D SE - 2 OWNERS - BMW MAIN DEALER SERVICE HISTORY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
45.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,690

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JB Quality Cars

01942590040 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
104.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,250

Finance available £642 pm

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,530

Finance available £124 pm

1.6L
70.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140I Auto 3dr

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

3L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

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

Reduced

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

3L
77.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120i SE Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
98.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
67.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,730

1.5L
7.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 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