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.

2,961 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,833

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£3,995

2L
106.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£14,221

1.5L
36.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Bradford

01274028395 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

3L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,000

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,799

Finance available £331 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,300

1.5L
17.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 118i [1.5] SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

New Look Motors

01216618627 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£39,000

2L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 118I Sport 3dr

Reduced

£5,595

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,900

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,389

Finance available £210 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Distinct Motors Ltd

01618048207 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 120D xDrive M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,490

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Pro pk]

£24,499

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,995

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,399

Finance available £545 pm

2L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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