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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 114i Sport 5dr ++ ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CRUISE / 12 MONTHS MOT

Low Mileage

£5,675

Finance available £104 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.5L
109.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£28,401

2L
32.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,340

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116d M SPORT 2 LITRE DIESEL FULL LEATHER 5-Door

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
124.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
80.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£26,990

2L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr - super clean - see video

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Roston Park Motors

02476017022 *

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

£23,499

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CM Autos (midlands) Ltd

01785907379 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (13) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Green Autos

01924667351 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d SE 5dr

£3,250

2L
109.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£25,949

Finance available £569 pm

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,299

2L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
47.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Farlan Automotives Limited

02038730401 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) 2

£16,990

Finance available £328 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,395

Finance available £242 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£29,000

1.5L
2.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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