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.

2,700 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£1,250

2L
180.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

PCF Cars

01215160886 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 4 2dr

Reduced

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav]

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,475

Finance available £145 pm

2L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Coleraine Trade Sales

02870441606 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£3,975

Finance available £66 pm

1.5L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hanli Motors Ltd

01143089071 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

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

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (14) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ben Kemp Ltd

01603937008 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 114d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,985

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KARS2GO LIMITED

01254781200 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Reduced

£30,800

Finance available £612 pm

2L
5.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£18,699

Finance available £364 pm

3L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

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

£20,000

1.5L
49.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Peoples Ford Falkirk

01324461492 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Class Auto Ltd

02038730354 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,792

Finance available £428 pm

1.5L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JOSH HOUGHTON MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01942365157 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,199

2L
35.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,995

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,825

Finance available £152 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

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