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.

2,587 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Phil Presswood Specialist Cars Ltd

01652240465 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr

£15,599

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

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

£21,109

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£21,999

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S L Cars

01985800653 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i Sport 3dr

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
99.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorsite LTD

01633749135 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,195

Finance available £214 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TF CAR CENTRE LIMITED

01257448845 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

2L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Hodgson Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365192 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 123d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trade Centre Direct

01217288653 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,189

Finance available £94 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Capital Cars UK Limited

01143996757 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
36.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Rotherham - Stoneacre Select

01709917013 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

3L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £412 pm

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

£3,290

Finance available £51 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Space Motors Limited

01582280664 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Reduced

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

L4C Oldbury

01215166136 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£13,295

2L
87.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2008 - 118d Edition ES 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

2L
73.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

West View Motor Company

01768800648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d SE Coupe 2dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,000

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros