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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£3,399

Finance available £54 pm

1.6L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,578

1.5L
32.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,419

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£12,485

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
56.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,425

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,299

Finance available £554 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2005 (54) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,645

2L
135.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car Nation Bourne

01480597473 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 123d SE 3dr

£1,990

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TS Motors

01282509437 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£38,950

2L
2.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
65.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Toccar

01652247128 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£28,895

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goscote Services

01164785112 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - AUTOMATIC 125I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,700

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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