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.

2,792 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£18,850

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peoples Ford Edinburgh

01312022572 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro pk]

£24,998

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore Kia/MG (Liverpool)

01513179472 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (4D) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,491

Finance available £78 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,299

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
23.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,499

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AM Car Solutions Limited

01543229540 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,840

Finance available £86 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct - Leeds

01138875266 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr

Reduced

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d Sport 5dr

£1,995

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ATC

01133236252 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£19,400

Finance available £419 pm

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (Z8) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,500

Finance available £458 pm

3L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

£3,299

2L
143.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Cars

01772957358 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

1.6L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cavectra Centre

01375801182 *

0/5 Stars

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

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

1.5L
127.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Quality Cars

01942590040 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

BMW 1 Series2007 - 2.0 118i SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,390

Finance available £53 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sell Your Car To Sam Ltd TA James Bentley Motors

01212729588 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - 1.5 120i MHT M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,499

1.5L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

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