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 Series2016 - 3.0 M140I Auto 3dr

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

3L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,890

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
51.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fermanagh Auto Sales

02868336501 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120i Sport 2dr 6 SPEED MANUAL

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

KAR SPA

01708204891 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
126.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,991

2L
32.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Geneva Motors Harlow

01279212108 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr

£5,694

Finance available £105 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

Reduced

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTO UK

01484248051 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
55.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto City Trader Ltd

01182274525 *

3.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Reduced

£17,789

Finance available £345 pm

3L
65.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,250

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

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

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,999

2L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

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

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
102.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

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 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [LCP/Pro/Tech pk]

Low Mileage

£19,295

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Clarendon Cars

02890025845 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Pro/Pro pk]

£25,498

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,988

Finance available £246 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

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