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.

3,111 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Green Motors Dewsbury

01924667351 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,177

Finance available £497 pm

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke

01256268425 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 118d M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,999

2L
101.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

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

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
65.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Adam Bede Motor Company

01629705989 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£21,700

Finance available £453 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0L 118D M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (141 bhp)

£4,595

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

One Cars

01259230762 *

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

£14,750

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
88.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Trevor Falloon Motors

02887440363 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,280

Finance available £319 pm

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,498

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Tou

£20,029

Finance available £391 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £241 pm

2L
40.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,250

1.5L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,990

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118i SPORT AUTOMATIC/STEPTRONIC CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£4,750

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

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

£24,434

Finance available £502 pm

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 116i [2.0] Performance Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,460

2L
81.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£23,490

1.5L
7.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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