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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,090

Finance available £458 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro-Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,899

Finance available £501 pm

2L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 118I Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,992

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118D M SPORT 3d 147 BHP 3-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (77) - 1.6 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,999

1.6L
76.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d ED Plus 5-Door

£5,199

Finance available £94 pm

1.5L
95.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,399

Finance available £556 pm

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136

Low Mileage

£14,992

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect York

01904237847 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120i SE COUPE 2 DOOR (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Reduced

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,790

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,647

Finance available £493 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£10,489

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Powerlease Ltd

01525305324 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto 5 Dr

Reduced

£17,495

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BM Automotive

01752427499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d SE AUTO 5-Door

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

ALLCARS(sales)LIMITEDT/aAllcars

01945664266 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,895

Finance available £253 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mark Payne Cars

01145537261 *

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