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.

2,554 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£18,899

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Universe Limited

01708202780 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,690

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
78.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 (302bhp) M135i xDrive Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£31,066

Finance available £618 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yeomans Nissan Basingstoke

01256268425 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,300

Finance available £394 pm

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

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

£11,051

2L
74.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Exeter

01392342522 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£2,995

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,992

2L
6.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,350

Finance available £377 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5-Door

£16,420

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£19,499

1.5L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (Z1) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Matt Hogan Specialist Cars Ltd

01257444700 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,995

1.5L
45.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,895

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)*SUPERB C

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
53.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

wirksworthcarscom Ltd

01629701306 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dct Euro 6 s/s 140 Ps

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Alnwick

01665660970 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

3L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Earls Autos

01733977929 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d xDrive M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

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