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.

2,793 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2005 (55) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,290

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

STORMFORCE LIMITED

01515417919 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
93.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BM Automotive

01752427499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£6,200

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

L4C LTD

01217288698 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Central Service Garage

01302246765 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d Urban 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Elms Car Sales Ltd

01278555741 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
117.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car

01895544784 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,195

Finance available £49 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,300

Finance available £118 pm

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,470

2L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£24,800

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Shire Hampton Motors

01172331399 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,890

1.5L
56.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Audi Five Oaks

01403331227 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,390

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
83.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARS-WORCESTER

01905676567 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
72.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

S L Cars

01985800653 *

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