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.

2,793 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,970

Finance available £178 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct - Leeds

01138875266 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,895

Finance available £207 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AMC Custom Motors

01274087668 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,200

Finance available £295 pm

1.5L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,799

2L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£24,498

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)

01355203632 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 118d Sport 5dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Castle 4 Cars

02382146222 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - Hatchback (2011 - 2015) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,575

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro Cars Ltd

01234987565 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wise Auto Ltd

02038737355 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 118d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£13,586

2L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
58.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£26,700

Finance available £458 pm

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Carsite London

02038933723 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro-Pro pk]

£26,999

Finance available £569 pm

2L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE [BIG SPEC] AUTO 5 Dr

Reduced

£15,995

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - BMW 118i 1.5 Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£18,599

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Baylis Worcester

01905947509 *

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

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