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 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
78.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive

£23,000

Finance available £472 pm

2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

£21,444

Finance available £420 pm

2L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£17,995

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,250

1.5L
7.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JC Motors

01822661671 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (Z5) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£15,495

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DB90 Prestigious Automobiles

01302986971 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,470

2L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 1.6 116i Edition ES Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.6L
82.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Range Doncaster Ltd

01325529177 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,795

1.5L
100.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,599

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
60.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,200

Finance available £228 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£20,284

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

2L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

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