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.

2,664 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

C Fierro Garages

01889440699 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 120d xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition 5door

Reduced

£12,995

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCR Specialist Cars

01453701527 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,709

1.5L
32.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Milton Keynes Peugeot

01908049752 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr

£11,999

1.5L
54.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilwinning Autoplex

01294440522 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M AND R SALES LIMITED

01536851839 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 120d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,900

Finance available £385 pm

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
116.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hey Motors Ltd

01706572044 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118d M Sport 3dr- SOME SERVICE HISTORY

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cleveland Street Car Sales

01515417937 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,300

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 118d ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,990

2L
98.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Carmichael Cars

02890023196 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Reduced

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
64.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ratcliffe Car Sales

02890026912 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118I M SPORT 2d 141 BHP 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
65.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,098

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d SE 5dr Warranty

Reduced

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
133.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - LA

Low Mileage

£22,099

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 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