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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,999

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 - 2.0 123d M Sport Coupe 2-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Trade Sales Bodmin

01208221184 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M-SPORT 5DR - ULEZ COMPLIANT

Reduced

£14,990

1.5L
58.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

OTTER MOTORS LTD

01404519008 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116i [2.0] SE 5dr

Reduced

£1,995

2L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

L&T Cars Ltd

02039112053 *

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

£13,700

1.5L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£29,881

2L
6.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hudson Autos

01621734609 *

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

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Focus Cars Sales

01284332092 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£19,499

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,595

Finance available £237 pm

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE 5-door

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

OB Motors

01495367091 *

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

£23,998

1.5L
13.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Kia/Abarth (Seafield)

01316036422 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,250

Finance available £229 pm

1.5L
62.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TG Performance

01767661302 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£22,663

2L
34.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,840

Finance available £220 pm

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

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