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.

2,742 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116d Sport 5dr - FULL SERVICE HISTORY

Low Mileage

£3,690

Finance available £60 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MAK Automobiles Limited

01613887756 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£2,799

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Best Motor World

02476936645 *

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 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Motors

01782917199 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,199

Finance available £228 pm

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£12,100

Finance available £248 pm

2L
38.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,599

Finance available £58 pm

1.6L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AB Cars

02039375154 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
51.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,300

Finance available £417 pm

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

100

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
38.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SOLO MOTOR GROUP LTD

01204968933 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 128ti 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,900

2L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JC Motors

01822661671 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,644

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,700

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,349

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

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

£17,999

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£4,395

Finance available £76 pm

1.5L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TG Performance

01767661302 *

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