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 Series2023 - 118i Sport 5-Door

£19,999

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Peat Motors Ltd

01529401220 *

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

£18,699

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 118d M Sport 2-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,895

2L
123.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Class Auto Ltd

02038730354 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£10,999

1.5L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Belmont Autos

01416118595 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120i SE Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

2L
130.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£28,599

Finance available £604 pm

2L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£20,399

Finance available £399 pm

3L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d M Sport 2dr CONVERTIBLE

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

C A C Cars

01480597477 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,392

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilwinning Autoplex

01294440522 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,100

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K Motors London Ltd

02037587409 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

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

£22,448

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Melton Mowbray

01664490868 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellani Cars Ltd

01291441526 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£22,775

Finance available £447 pm

2L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118I SPORT 5d AUTO 134 BHP 5-Door

£11,695

1.5L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

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