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.

2,800 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr

Reduced

£15,662

1.5L
31.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - SuperMini World

01563590214 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d SE Sports Hatch (s/s) 5dr

£5,789

Finance available £107 pm

2L
167.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (57) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,950

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LD Automotive LTD

01506531840 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£32,783

2L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2005 (55) - 2.0 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 4 (129 ps)

Low Mileage

£2,430

2L
60.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BINCA

01908765732 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£3,399

Finance available £54 pm

1.6L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.5L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EMV Car Sales

01553603585 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,200

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,150

Finance available £48 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Autoselect

01482428561 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 116i Edition ES 5dr ulez

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
124.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Y S Motors

01494928876 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,999

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 120i Sport 2dr Step

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Genie

01484509565 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£9,270

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (13) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Green Motors Dewsbury

01924667351 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

3L
88.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M&C Specialist Motors

01182274321 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£36,568

2L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,181

Finance available £138 pm

1.5L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116i M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,890

Finance available £154 pm

1.6L
81.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gregs Cars Ltd

01889224516 *

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros