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.

2,802 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandiforths

01909498742 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£20,895

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
30.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 114d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,990

1.6L
120.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MK CITY CARS LTD

01908048974 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,836

2L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,500

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118i ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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

£19,393

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 116i SE 3 door

Low Mileage

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Taylors Autos

01522467385 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 130i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£8,444

Finance available £166 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,800

Finance available £386 pm

2L
24.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 - 2.0 120d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,650

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,181

Finance available £138 pm

1.5L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,499

Finance available £536 pm

2L
28.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 OWNER

Reduced

£14,295

1.5L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ceir Seiont Cars LTD

01248663519 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,490

2L
7.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£11,890

1.5L
65.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,970

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 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