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 Series2011 - 2.0 D M SPORT 5Dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Master Cars Bedford

01767668796 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / AIR CON ++

Low Mileage

£5,475

Finance available £100 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

£17,099

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

02039577378 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,499

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Chesterfield

01246383490 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i 5Dr M Sport 1.5 Auto

Low Mileage

£24,199

1.5L
10.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gates of Waltham Cross

01992660808 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,845

Finance available £153 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116D M SPORT 5-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Platinum Car Sales Ltd

01685702348 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,494

Finance available £100 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,500

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack] 5-Door

£28,197

Finance available £583 pm

2L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Preston

01772285529 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,600

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118i Urban 3dr

Reduced

£5,099

Finance available £92 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

£42,564

2L
2.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,000

Finance available £434 pm

2L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,545

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,998

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,995

1.6L
134.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS LTD

02039577421 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CAR PLAY 247 LTD

01422412350 *

0/5 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