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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,899

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

IBZ Motors

02039897125 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
75.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW 1 Series2008 - 2.0 SE 5dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
84.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Of Kent

01634957989 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,900

Finance available £522 pm

2L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,600

Finance available £354 pm

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 116i [2.0] SE 3dr

Reduced

£2,950

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Griffin Vehicle Solutions

01296254880 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£31,799

2L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

£25,498

35.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
68.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,295

Finance available £417 pm

3L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ace Prestige Autos

01134878957 *

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

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,974

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118d SE 2dr

£2,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

All Automotive Glasgow

01414069556 *

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

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,250

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 2.0 118i SE Euro 4 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,500

2L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Imaan Motors Ltd

01895540690 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£21,340

Finance available £418 pm

3L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Motors

01143086577 *

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