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.

2,803 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] SE Business [Nav/Servotronic] FSH Just Serviced & MOT 01/26 5-Door

Reduced

£7,475

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Doncaster Motors Ltd

01302976037 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120i Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

The Carfella Ltd

01923268888 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,777

Finance available £330 pm

3L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

777 Automotive Ltd

01163668370 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2016 BMW 120d sport start/stop ulez compliant £35 road tax 5-Door

£6,893

Finance available £132 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GPS Transporters

01280730894 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£23,450

Finance available £461 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Roy Hanna Motors

02894338774 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

2L
125.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

4 FAB WHEELS

02039122513 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£10,795

Finance available £219 pm

2L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW 1 Series(64)

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

116.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Manual
Not Supplied

Flexautos

01977801342 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wise Auto Ltd

02038737355 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,200

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual FOR SALE WITH 12 MONTHS MOT

£2,995

2L
137.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swale Auto Sales I LTD

01748900780 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,640

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)+1 OWNER

£18,790

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,645

Finance available £148 pm

2L
69.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 59 PLATE BMW 118d Sport 2dr CONVERTABLE ,RED

Reduced

£3,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cowbridge Road Motor Company

02920027040 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d Sport 5dr

£1,650

2L
198.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Heaton Vehicle Sales 1

01708204883 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,550

Finance available £258 pm

2L
56.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
91.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K Motors London Ltd

02037587409 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
107.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elegant Ulez Motors Limited

02039104755 *

4.6/5 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

* 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