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.

2,602 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£14,878

Finance available £316 pm

3L
78.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Reeds Motors Ltd

01784770040 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £291 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£3,600

Finance available £58 pm

2L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

All Type Motors LTD

01143089154 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,991

2L
80.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

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

£17,849

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

02039577378 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£30,082

2L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 120d M Sport 2dr

£1,495

2L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 118i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
123.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RAPID AUTOS LIMITED

01782917185 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,584

Finance available £125 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 125i [224] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Teesside Car Finance

01642937529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
90.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Selective Motors Direct

01268204253 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
52.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£19,949

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kelvin Way Motors

01217288894 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.5L
102.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTO UK

01484248051 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 3dr

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
92.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Shop Wales

01792001663 *

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