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.

2,708 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

R&S Car Sales

07838231579 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£12,789

Finance available £263 pm

3L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i Sport 3-Door

£6,488

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,200

Finance available £72 pm

1.6L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
162.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HM Cars

01143996752 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,990

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 114i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (102 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
61.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Joseph Sutton Motor Company ltd

01892489305 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£21,540

Finance available £422 pm

1.5L
28.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

3L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ace Prestige Autos

01134878957 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy

01492525999 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto FBMWSH+PRONAV+H/K+ADP SUS+HTD LTHR

Reduced

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Clarity Car Group Ltd

01614139883 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,898

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

EN AUTOMOTIVE

01384881208 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,607

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
12.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Renault Retail Group Romford

01708973748 *

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

£16,700

Finance available £307 pm

2L
47.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,188

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£12,700

1.5L
78.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
152.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros