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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD

01977808775 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d SPORT CONVERTIBLE 2DR DIESEL MANUAL EURO 5 (143 PS)

£2,544

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

The Van Sales Company

01616944772 *

0/5 Stars

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

£16,649

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01452227360 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£7,790

2L
84.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£23,500

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

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

£26,975

Finance available £534 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cottrell Motor Co LTD

01925903926 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 130i M Sport 5dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

3L
141.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars and Vans

02476930879 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118I SPORT 5-Door

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - **MAKE US AN OFFER! 3-Door

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
82.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] SE 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£11,895

1.5L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,300

Finance available £141 pm

2L
64.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,904

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£23,998

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£36,970

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£32,500

2L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£1,250

2L
180.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

PCF Cars

01215160886 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,180

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,975

Finance available £534 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cottrell Motor Co LTD

01925903926 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i Sport 5dr - Sat Nav & Rear Parking Sensors & Bluetooth

Low Mileage

£11,690

Finance available £239 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros