Used BMW 1 Series cars

First released in 2004, the BMW 1 Series is a subcompact executive car that is available with hatchback, coupé or convertible body types. Sitting at the entry-level end of BMW’s range, the BMW 1 Series is one of the marque’s most popular models and sold more than two million units in the first decade of its release.

Known for its great practicality, the BMW 1 Series has premium interior and efficient performance. It rivals other premium and versatile models like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3.

This also makes the BMW 1 Series an excellent choice of car for those looking for an efficient, powerful and stylish drive. It is well suited to a big range of different driving needs.

BMW 1 Series updates and facelifts

BMW launched the first generation of the 1 Series in 2004 and it was available as a three and five-door hatchback, coupé and convertible body. Powered by a small selection of 1.6-, 2.0- and 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, the 1 Series was known for its combination of performance and fuel efficiency.

The hatchback models received a mid-life facelift in 2007. This revised the available engines and added electric power steering and various mechanical parts to improve fuel efficiency. Subtle design changes were also made to the bumpers and front grille.

The coupé and convertible models received a facelift in 2011. This facelift introduced a range of style changes to the bumpers, front grille and cabin. The revised facelifts had a reduced number of engines available.

BMW released the Mk2 1 Series in 2011. It was a hatchback-only model, with the coupé and convertible bodies of the model now released as the BMW 2 Series. The second generation was available with a smaller number of engines and received a facelift in 2015. This refresh added new bumpers, rear lights and new diesel engines.

Released in 2019, the third generation came as a five-door hatchback. It is slightly shorter and wider than the Mk2 and features a larger boot space than its predecessor. From launch, it was only available with two petrol and two diesel engines.

Practicality and style of the car

The BMW 1 Series is known for being a highly practical car. It has a length of 4,319mm, height of 1,434mm and width of 1,799mm, which makes it 34mm taller and 3mm wider than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. This ensures there’s plenty of head and leg room inside the cabin.

This size helps the BMW 1 Series offer a good boot space, with 380 litres on offer with all seats up. These seats fold in a 40:20:40 split that expands this size up to 1,200 litres – the same amount of space offered in both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3.

If you’re looking for a towing car, the BMW 1 Series is suitable and can tow a maximum braked capacity of up to 1,300kg.

Running costs

The BMW 1 Series offers reasonable running costs, with its insurance group range beginning at 12 for entry-level trims and running up to 39 for the flagship M Sport trim. This is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s 15 to 39 range.

The BMW 1 Series qualifies for an annual road tax rate of £180, which is the same as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and some Audi A3s.

How a used BMW 1 Series drives

The BMW 1 Series is available with a large range of petrol and diesel engines. In the petrol range, the entry-level option is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 118i engine that generates 138bhp, goes from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and returns up to 58.9mpg.

The 2.0-litre 128Ti engine produces 261bhp with an economy of 40.9mpg. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. The M135i engine is also a 2.0-litre option and generates 302bhp. Its economy is 38.7mpg and it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

In the diesel range, there is a 1.5-litre 116d unit that generates 114bhp, gets from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds and returns up to 62.8mpg. The 118d engine is a 2.0-litre option and accelerates to 62mph in 8.4 seconds with an economy of up to 61.4mpg. The 120d engine is also a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and generates 187bhp. It returns between 53.3 and 57.6mpg.

The majority of the available engines on a BMW 1 Series can come with front-wheel drive and are either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic option.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2011 - 2019

2019 - onwards

Features you can expect in a BMW 1 Series

Interior

One of the largest appeal factors of the BMW 1 Series is its premium interior design. Step into the cabin and you will find a well-crafted interior with high-quality leather lining the upholstery and steering wheel. There’s lots of precision contrast stitching, which adds a welcome stylish touch. There are also silver chrome bars on the steering wheel and dashboard for further appeal.

Even entry-level trims of the BMW 1 Series come with an exceptionally comfortable blend of cloth and Alcantara leather upholstery so all occupants can stay comfortable on long drives.

The model has an infotainment touchscreen that’s either 8.8 inches or 10.25 inches in size. This system runs on BMW’s Operating System, which quickly loads sat nav, comes with crystal-clear graphics and also features gesture control, letting you easily navigate to different menus without taking your eyes off the road. This system also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so it’s easy to connect your smartphone. And with a six-speaker sound system, all passengers can stay entertained over long journeys.

The BMW 1 Series also features a digital instrument cluster that displays key information about your drive, including your speed, distance driven and remaining fuel level.

The 1 Series can transport five adults comfortably, though the back is better suited for two adults or three children if you’re going on a particularly long journey. When it comes to keeping the cabin tidy, the BMW 1 Series’ range of storage slots mean it’s easy to keep the car organised. There are deep door bins and a well-sized glovebox, which has enough space for handheld accessories like sunglasses and maps.

Technology

The BMW 1 Series is well known for its range of technology. For easier driving, you will find full LED front and rear lights and automatic wipers that activate when they detect rain. There’s also an automatically dimming rearview mirror to prevent headlights of cars behind you dazzling you. Cruise control with speed limiter enables more comfortable and relaxing driving at lower speeds.

BMW’s performance control feature also comes as standard on the 1 Series. This gives the car more agile handling by lightly applying the brakes as your pass the apex of a corner. There is also a drive performance control system that helps you avoid over and understeer, providing better agility as you corner. To make backing into tight spaces even easier, you’ll also find a Park Distance Control system which uses ultrasonic sensors to help you park perfectly.

Safety

Euro NCAP, the crash safety experts, awarded the BMW 1 Series the full five-star safety rating. It also received an adult safety score of 83% with a child safety score of 87% thanks to features such as front and side air bags, a belt pretensioner and load limiter, as well as an active bonnet, speed assistance and automatic emergency braking. You’ll also find two ISOFIX points in the rear outer seats. The 1 Series’ safety compares well with its rivals: the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class also receiving a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Trims available on the BMW 1 Series

• 1 Series SE
• 1 Series Sport
• 1 Series M Sport
• 1 Series M Sport Shadow Edition
• 1 Series M135i
• 1 Series 128ti

BMW 1 Series SE

The SE is the entry-level trim of the 1 Series and comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. It is fitted with a whole host of features that you would expect from a higher model, with rear and front parking sensors and sav nav that is accessible through the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Complete with automatic headlights and rain -ensing windscreen wipers, this entry-level trim provides the driver with features that, although are limited compared with the higher trims, make any journey a pleasure from start to finish.

BMW 1 Series Sport

The 1 Series Sport brings with it larger 17-inch sportier alloy wheels. It’s also fitted with a whole host of additional features, such as front and rear parking sensors and side curtain airbags, electric front windows, sport seats and leather steering wheel. It also comes equipped with a media system with (depending on the age of the Sport) a CD player, aux stereo, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio. Automatic wipers and cruise control help the Sport deliver a fantastic driving experience for anyone looking for a second-hand 1 Series.

BMW 1 Series M Sport

The M badge has long represented BMW’s sporting and performance excellence. With that in mind, there are a few subtle differences between the SE, Sport and the M Sport. The M Sport has a slightly modified front grille and bumper, giving it a more aggressive design with sportier and sharper looks. The M Sport comes with larger 18-inch alloy wheels with the option of blue calipers to complete that racing aesthetic. Kitted out with the same gadgets and features as the previous two trims, the M Sport does differentiate itself with the inclusion of heated leather seats, leather upholstery, climate control, sat nav and LED headlights. The sporty suspension gives the M Sport a more pronounced driving experience that will appeal to driving enthusiasts – although you may feel more of the lumps and bumps of the road surface. Engine options include one petrol and three diesel variants and provide between 138bhp – 181 bhp.

BMW 1 Series M Sport Shadow Edition

The limited Shadow Edition is a variant of the M Sport with some stylistic changes and additional upgrades. Originally for sale from July 2017 – June 2019, the Shadow Edition comes with darkened 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels instead of the regular brushed aluminium. It also comes with darkened light units and black exterior detailing, as well as being fitted with an upgraded M Sport suspension. Inside, the Shadow Edition is fitted with a ‘Dakota’ leather interior, including leather seats and steering wheel, along with a combination of chrome and gloss black trim detailing. It’s also fitted with a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

BMW 1 Series M135i

Shifting away from the rear-wheel drive which the 1 Series was known for, the M135i offers all-wheel drive. It also comes fitted with two 10.3-inch screens; one that, like its rivals, replaces the traditional dials behind the steering wheel, and the other that provides the driver access to the premium iDrive infotainment system with sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a DAB radio. It also comes equipped with parking sensors with the option to upgrade to include a parking camera. The M135i’s interior is easy to access and creates a bespoke atmosphere for every passenger. Under the bonnet, the M135i packs a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates a massive 302bhp – comparable to any of the heavy hitters in its class.

BMW 1 Series 128i

The 1 Series 128i is a sleek addition to the 1 Series group. Fitted with large 18-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, the 128i styling borrows from the black and darkened trim of the Shadow Edition and the spoiler of the M Sport. Fitted with side skirts, decal, colour air inlets and optional coloured calipers, the 128i embraces a genuine sporting aesthetic. The interior continues this aesthetic by including heated front sport seats and a multifunction leather steering wheel which are completed with contrasting red stitching. The 128i is feature-rich, equipped with electric folding and auto-dimming mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors. as well as a Torsen limited slip differential and 8-speed sport automatic transmission with selector lever.

Search our stock of used BMW 1 series cars for sale.