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.

2,693 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,666

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,992

1.5L
31.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - SuperMini World

01563590214 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£24,699

Finance available £519 pm

2L
10.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,800

2L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

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

£23,998

1.5L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,995

Finance available £175 pm

1.5L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d 2.0 Diesel Sport 5-Door From £3,695 + Retail Package

Reduced

£3,695

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hesketh Cars

01253201512 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
84.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,795

2L
159.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

2L
127.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] SEMI-AUTO

£21,250

1.5L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Huddersfield

01484502987 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,900

Finance available £288 pm

3L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,795

1.5L
86.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Grange Motor Company Ltd

01325525257 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,499

1.6L
72.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 3.0 M135i 3 door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

£19,195

Finance available £423 pm

2L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,200

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,498

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,300

1.5L
82.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

West Motors Ltd

01895544174 *

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