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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£28,600

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,399

Finance available £534 pm

2L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, PRIVACY GLASS)

£24,988

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
92.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Flintshire Car Sales Ltd

01352871748 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£5,989

Finance available £111 pm

1.5L
114.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wynford Williams Car Sales

01970600150 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,495

2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,990

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Glasshoughton Car Sales

01977803305 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,900

Finance available £355 pm

2L
27.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

3L
96.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

777 Automotive Ltd

01163668370 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Exclusive Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(22) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,300

13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i Sport 3dr Sat Nav Grey ONLY 19k Miles Years MOT Warranty

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ashford Panelcraft

01233221737 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr

£21,000

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,200

1.5L
110.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BINCA

01908765732 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,100

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Bristol North

01173701262 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Teesside Car Finance

01642937529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£26,750

1.5L
2.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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