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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series(22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,300

13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£14,995

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JP Motor Trade Ltd

01582280278 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£17,750

Finance available £344 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120d Exclusive Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD

01977808775 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,100

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118i SPORT AUTOMATIC/STEPTRONIC CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,550

Finance available £169 pm

1.5L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Essex Car Store

01376319739 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,490

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone Select Bracknell

01344202530 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Reduced

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Large Motor Company

01635885044 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£18,290

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£20,857

1.5L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,899

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118I M Sport 5-Door

£23,970

Finance available £513 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 5dr

£7,290

Finance available £141 pm

3L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JCT 7 Car Sales Ltd

01922661978 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Grashion Automotive Solutions

01302203512 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,990

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
73.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 3.0 125i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 5 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Richmond Motor Company

01592808546 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpha Cars

01748900791 *

4.6/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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

lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ryiOCbFViwg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.