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.

2,706 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bulgari Performance Ltd

01274087667 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,290

Finance available £252 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,440

1.5L
74.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M SPORT Manual 5-Door

Reduced

£16,150

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
41.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M.R.King & Sons Woodbridge

01728440919 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£9,499

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Motor Brokers

01922661947 *

0/5 Stars

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Veloce Motor Group Ltd

01206355506 *

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

£17,900

Finance available £326 pm

1.5L
35.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 116i PETROL AUTO M SPORTS SUNROOF GRADE 4.5/B ULEZ EXEMPT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,298

1.5L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,678

Finance available £194 pm

1.5L
57.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M K Automobiles

01706577763 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,699

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.5L
102.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£11,575

Finance available £236 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
115.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oakwood Specialist Cars

01918237768 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - PARK

£17,585

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive Auto 5dr - Virtual Cockpit & Apple CarPlay & Heated Seats

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,790

Finance available £152 pm

2L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Ayr)

01292431680 *

4.7/5 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