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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,950

2L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,099

Finance available £382 pm

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - D SE 1.5DIESEL 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

Reduced

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,680

Finance available £466 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,200

Finance available £183 pm

1.5L
66.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Bristol North

01173701262 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 123d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trade Centre Direct

01217288653 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,450

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Inmotion Automotive Group

01200407221 *

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

£2,995

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

All Automotive Glasgow

01414069556 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,149

Finance available £213 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,000

Finance available £501 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CJ AUTOS BRISTOL

01174404907 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback Euro 6 5-Door

£5,740

Finance available £106 pm

1.5L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Andrew James Cars Ltd

01474556864 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Genie

01484509565 *

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

£17,335

Finance available £343 pm

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,496

2L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Grantham

01476851380 *

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

£22,400

Finance available £387 pm

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2007 - 2.0 118d M Sport 3 door

Reduced

£1,790

2L
102.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carnections

01708947004 *

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