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.

2,714 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,290

Finance available £141 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Topyard Automotives Ltd

01932559040 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - M135i M Performance 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) NATIONWI

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kirkham Part Ex Centre

01772348362 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

S J Davidson

02887447997 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - D SE 1.5DIESEL 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

Reduced

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
63.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£14,850

Finance available £309 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

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

Reduced

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,000

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Radley Motor Company

01217288665 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,790

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,000

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series(68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,240

Finance available £273 pm

45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,499

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Chesterfield Ford Commercials

01246383484 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118I SE 5DR Manual

Reduced

£9,681

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Daniel Maxwell Car Sales

01614139879 *

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