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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£20,491

1.5L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,419

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A2 Trade Ltd T/A Shipley Performance

01332502052 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 118i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Nottingham Road Car Sales

01332418937 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,296

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,500

Finance available £547 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,595

1.5L
102.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1/Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,502

2L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall SKODA Leicester

01164646106 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,460

Finance available £122 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

3L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
54.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Autozone Cars

02870449518 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d SE 5dr Manual

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
77.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Petrol Hatchback

£22,689

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Exeter

01392798455 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£34,467

2L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr DAMAGED SALVAGE CAT N

£2,750

1.5L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KSS Cars Ltd

01279212249 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
87.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Gary Hutchinson Car Sales Ltd

02890026790 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,949

Finance available £133 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 120i M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
114.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Dyson Cars Ltd

01992367345 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

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