Used BMW 1 Series for sale: everything you need to know
The BMW 1 Series is a popular hatchback and the smallest, most affordable model you can buy or lease in BMW's range.
Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines ranging from the super efficient BMW 118d to the fast and powerful BMW M135i, there's something to suit everybody's needs. But whichever engine you choose, you get an enjoyable driving experience typical of a BMW.
Rivals to the BMW 1 Series include the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the high quality Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf.
What's more, the latest BMW 1 Series has a high quality cabin with excellent, easy-to-use technology and a decent amount of space. Whether you're looking for a new or used version of the smallest BMW, there's plenty to choose from thanks to its strong popularity.
Should you buy a BMW 1 Series?
The BMW 1 Series is a good car to buy if you're looking to buy or lease a sporty and high quality premium hatchback.
BMW's striking exterior design might not be to all tastes, but it certainly stands out among more anonymous looking hatchbacks from mainstream brands. The real highlight is the interior, however, which is extremely classy and filled with plush materials. BMW's iDrive system is also easier to use than rivals from Mercedes and Audi.
Another key element of the BMW 1 Series' appeal is its excellent engine range. There really isn't a weak link, with even the entry-level, three-cylinder 118i petrol engine punching well above its weight and keeping fuel costs down. The same applies to the 118d diesel, which is reasonably powerful yet ultra efficient - while the 120d is a potent diesel.
If you want more performance still, there's the brilliant 128ti which is a top rival to the VW Golf GTI. Topping the range is the four-wheel drive M135i, which has enough firepower to live with some sports cars.
Whichever engine you choose to buy or lease, though, the BMW 1 Series is one of the best driving cars in its class. With composed, confidence-inspiring handling, sharp steering and a firm but controlled ride (particularly if you avoid the stiffer M-Sport model), you'll struggle to find more enjoyment behind the wheel in a hatchback.
Overall we really rate the BMW 1 Series as a new or used buy. Its popularity reflects its ability to meet many needs, offering enough space for the family, an entertaining driving experience, a very posh interior for a hatchback and a desirable design.
A BMW 1 Series not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
What’s the best used BMW 1 Series model to buy?
Most BMW 1 Series models on the used market are powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine, badged the 118i. That’s a good thing as we reckon it’s the best choice for the majority of buyers. It’s a characterful three-cylinder turbo engine which combines peppy performance with wallet-friendly efficiency.
If you cover high miles, consider one of the diesels - a 1.5-litre badged as the 116d will appeal to the most frugal of buyers, while the 2.0-litre 118d is also a sensible option. There’s also a 120d which is available with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system, if that appeals.
There are two hot hatch options if you're looking for more performance: the BMW 128ti and M135i. Both have a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - not the silky six-cylinder found in hot 1 Series models of old - but whereas the 128ti is front-wheel-drive, cheaper and less powerful, the M135i is four-wheel drive and faster. So it's like the VW Golf GTI vs the VW Golf R, and just as with those cars the latter is a better all-weather all-rounder, but the former is more fun.
Used BMW 1 Series fuel economy and performance
BMW 1 Series 118i: The entry-level engine is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo unit with 136PS. Front-wheel drive only, it's capable of 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and fuel economy of up to 47.9mpg combined. A six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox can be specified.
BMW 1 Series 128i: This performance-tuned engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with 265PS. Front-wheel drive only, it's capable of 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and fuel economy of up to 40.9mpg combined. It's pared exclusively with and eight-speed automatic gearbox.
BMW 1 Series M135i: The most powerful 1 Series also uses a performance tuned 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo, with power boosted to 306PS. 0-62mph is completed in 4.8 seconds, with fuel economy of up to 38.2mpg combined. It's pared exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
BMW 1 Series 116d: The entry-level diesel is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo unit producing 116PS. Front-wheel drive only, it'll do 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds and promises up to 61.4mpg combined. It's available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW 1 Series 118d: The mid-level diesel is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit with 150PS. Enough for a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, it'll also manage up to 57.6mpg combined. It can be pared with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
BMW 1 Series 120d: The top-level diesel is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit putting out 190PS. It's only pared with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive. In front-wheel drive form it'll do 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, falling to 7 seconds dead with xDrive. Fuel economy ranges from 55.4mpg to 53.3mpg combined.
What BMW 1 Series trim levels are available?
The BMW 1 Series is available in three standard trim levels: SE, Sport and M Sport. But there are also two performance versions with bespoke designs and equipment:
The BMW 1 Series SE is the cheapest version, offering and affordable entry price combined with a good level of equipment. It is available with the 118i petrol and 116d and 118d diesel engines.
The mid-level BMW 1 Series Sport features styling and equipment upgrades over SE, and is available to order. As well as the 118i, 116d and 118d engines, it can also be specified with the front or four-wheel drive 120d.
The BMW 1 Series M Sport is the sportiest version of the standard 1 Series, with an enhanced look and feel to suit. It is available on all of the above petrol and diesel engines.
The BMW 128ti is a special performance model bringing back the 'ti' branding to BMWs. It's only available with one powerful petrol engine.
The BMW M135i is the fastest and most powerful 1 Series you can buy, with bespoke chassis, interior and exterior upgrades to suit.
Used BMW 1 Series dimensions and boot size
The BMW 1 Series exterior dimensions are:
The BMW 1 Series boot size is:
Used BMW 1 Series road tax
The third-generation BMW 1 Series is taxed under the latest VED bands. That means, from the second payment onwards, you’ll pay a flat £180 a year. The first owner will have covered the first CO2-based payment.
It’s worth watching out for the so-called premium car tax, which applies to any cars with a list price of more than £40,000. It’s difficult to spend this much on a 1 Series but it is possible - particularly if you find an M135i that’s loaded with options. As desirable as this is, it’ll cost an extra £390 a year in tax for its first five years. Even as the second owner, you’ll be responsible for this.
How much is it to insure a BMW 1 Series?
The BMW 1 Series in entry-level 116d form falls into insurance group 16, with the 118i petrol in insurance group 20. That rises to insurance group 36 for the most expensive M135i.
Read our full BMW 1 Series review
