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.

2,662 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,595

Finance available £103 pm

2L
111.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Market Yorkshire

01924668146 *

2.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118I M Sport 5-Door

£16,220

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,698

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,795

2L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Wheels In Motion Sherborne

01935311739 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,800

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 135i M Sport DCT Coupe N55 2-Door

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,829

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,195

2L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Aster Cars

01733971204 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,400

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£6,893

2L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

4/5 Stars

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

£10,450

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,100

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

£25,898

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

C M Car Sales

01773303785 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£22,098

1.5L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (14) - 116i 5dr [6]

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
60.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

UK Motors Walsall

01922662357 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (Z1) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr £20 Tax

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Maximum Car Supermarket

02392002264 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118D SPORT 5d 147 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evoque Motors

01254445630 *

4.1/5 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