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.

2,711 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,499

1.5L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

BMW 1 Series3.0 130i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Buyer 247.com LTD

01202059717 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

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 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.5L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - LA

Low Mileage

£22,089

Finance available £443 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,299

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,799

2L
127.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shotton Part EX Change Centre

01913002315 *

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 120i SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£2,695

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,550

Finance available £258 pm

2L
56.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£21,990

1.5L
25.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,999

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Steve Williams Car Sales

01495364875 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 Owner / Low

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,899

Finance available £444 pm

2L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

3L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£24,000

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,100

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 (302bhp) M135i xDrive Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£30,479

Finance available £606 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke

01256268425 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£29,807

2L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Epsom

01372231864 *

4.7/5 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