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 Series2021 - 118D M SPORT 5DR STEP AUTO

Reduced

£20,177

2L
29.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Birmingham

01217525804 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£24,998

1.5L
13.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Mazda/Fiat/Abarth/Jeep/BYD/Leapmotor

01224451052 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,049

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport Automatic Steptronic 140PS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

£25,565

Finance available £516 pm

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Exclusive Edition Coupe Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps) 2-Door

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Sandford Garage

01779401060 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

1.5L
84.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lami Auto Ltd

01895541066 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,999

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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

£9,799

Finance available £197 pm

1.5L
72.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Pine Lodge Cars

01948805118 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £459 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,806

3L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Jaguar Leicester

01164785124 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£16,300

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
49.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,245

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KT Cars Ltd

01306771707 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Diesel Dct Euro 6 s/s 116 Ps

£18,900

1.5L
37.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pentagon Vauxhall (Loughborough)

01332414577 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 2.0 120d SE Coupe 2-Door

£2,295

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Phoenix Motor Group UK LTD

01603567765 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£15,749

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
60.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO RANGE TRADE CENTRE LTD

01443801307 *

4.2/5 Stars

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