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.

2,630 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
9.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Progress Motor Group

01536211991 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
108.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elderwood Motors

01733667440 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d Sport 5-Door

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

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

£15,680

Finance available £328 pm

2L
56.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

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

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
104.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) - DRIVING M

Low Mileage

£19,068

Finance available £379 pm

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 125d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mervyn Purdy Motors

02890023759 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £514 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FS Performance Ltd

01582280332 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,599

Finance available £538 pm

2L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 5-Door

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HT NIHON MOTORS LTD

01162165685 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,721

1.5L
12.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stephen James Blackheath BMW

02037634737 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ben Wild Motors

01244569204 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

CB Autos UK Ltd

01793268067 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,800

Finance available £174 pm

1.5L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,490

1.5L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SP Cars (Nottingham) Ltd

01156848899 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£19,395

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,895

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£16,499

Finance available £336 pm

2L
70.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,750

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800804 *

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