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 Series2020 (70) - 116d SE 5dr

£9,295

1.5L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (59) - 118d SE 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,475

Finance available £55 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

RRJA Autos Limited

01501640117 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

1.5L
5.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

FK Car Sales

02825440922 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,679

Finance available £328 pm

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,600

Finance available £287 pm

2L
43.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 118d SE 3 door

£4,595

Finance available £80 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CMD Commercials

01302243509 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118I M SPORT 2d 141 BHP 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Murray Motors (FRS) Ltd

01346410646 *

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

£18,177

1.5L
51.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,899

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
60.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,850

Finance available £511 pm

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

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

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
97.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,294

Finance available £163 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars To Go Ltd

01202051975 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£14,470

3L
79.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£23,500

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

3L
57.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.5/5 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

* 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