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.

2,871 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,999

Finance available £349 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
27.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

County Cars of Strood

01634564273 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 120d BluePerformance SE 5dr Years MOT Warranty

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashford Panelcraft

01233221737 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,500

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£23,970

Finance available £513 pm

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Absolute Car Co

01794331245 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (12) - 1590

Low Mileage

£5,490

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,700

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sway Road Car Sales

01792940350 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,500

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AC CARS

01162162474 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120d M Sport Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,600

Finance available £58 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Mylson Ltd

01616698222 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
70.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,799

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IG Autoworld Ltd

02038730418 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,782

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Beep Beep Cars Ltd

01913232953 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 116d SE 5dr Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£14,318

1.5L
32.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Nissan Halifax

01422411360 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Efficient Dynamics Plus 5dr ++ 20 TAX / ULEZ / 83 MPG / SAT NAV ++

£5,875

Finance available £109 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
75.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McGillions

02881440369 *

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