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.

2,870 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (0G) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
99.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£9,880

Finance available £198 pm

1.5L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120i Exclusive Edition Auto 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,000

2L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Vortex Cars Limited

01614700153 *

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

Reduced

£17,300

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

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

£6,650

Finance available £126 pm

1.5L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Absolute Car Co

01794331245 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

3L
56.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£26,899

Finance available £579 pm

2L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 123d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Right Car Right Price

01493801259 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,376

Finance available £523 pm

2L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£20,958

1.5L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2015 BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i Sport Petrol Automatic 5-Door Hatchback Red.

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,650

Finance available £327 pm

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional] 5-Door

£22,976

Finance available £471 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A R Used Cars Ltd

01280730307 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

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

Reduced

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

H and M Cars Ltd

07921081064 *

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

£20,895

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

£17,790

Finance available £345 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly M1 Motorstore (Dungannon)

02887448025 *

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