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.

2,726 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£24,499

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

£16,890

3L
73.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Dean Car Sales Ltd

02038731433 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£24,888

Finance available £491 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WRC Sales Limited

01228588371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,249

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
61.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

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 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beck Evans

02037803374 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118I M SPORT 1.5 HATCHBACK DCT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,298

2L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 125d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,500

2L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark MINI Aberdeen

01224453648 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 130i M Sport 5dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

3L
141.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars and Vans

02476930879 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hudson Autos

01621734609 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 118I Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

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

Low Mileage

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

3L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr - super clean - see video

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Roston Park Motors

02476017022 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120i SE COUPE 2 DOOR (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Reduced

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,650

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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