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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CM Autos (midlands) Ltd

01785907379 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,700

Finance available £364 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 118i SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,750

2L
109.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

SPORTS & PERFORMANCE CARS

01706572037 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

C M Car Sales

01773303785 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,800

2L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Diesel Dct Euro 6 s/s 116 Ps

£18,900

1.5L
37.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pentagon Vauxhall (Loughborough)

01332414577 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 116i [2.0] SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Swinton Vauxhall

01709803690 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 120i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.6L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,161

Finance available £444 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto + LEATHER / SAT NAV / 35 TAX / 8 SERVICES / DAB +

Low Mileage

£7,975

Finance available £156 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£2,150

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - 18I

Low Mileage

£20,495

Finance available £409 pm

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d Sport 5-Door

£15,387

Finance available £308 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,998

1.5L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Kirkcaldy)

01592808074 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(61) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

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