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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£16,900

Finance available £362 pm

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Marina Motors

02893447315 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,795

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,898

1.5L
6.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

2L
101.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,999

1.5L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£19,698

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)

01355203632 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£26,898

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EFFICIENTDYNAMICS 5-Door

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carrera Cars Wales

01685702350 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M SPORT Manual 5-Door

Reduced

£16,150

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
41.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M.R.King & Sons Woodbridge

01728440919 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116i M Sport 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,595

2L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116d Sport 3dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ABC Auto Sales

02838298014 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr - FULL SERVICE

Low Mileage

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAK Automobiles Limited

01613887756 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,500

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£3,981

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
104.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.3/5 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

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