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.

2,723 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carnet Car Sales

02828440678 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,949

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01273121210 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto -SUNROOF - FBMWSH - MEMOREY SEATS -

Low Mileage

£26,990

Finance available £534 pm

2L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CSG Motor Company Ltd

01494415167 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£9,299

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,498

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1969 - Hatchback (2011 - 2015) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro Cars Ltd

01234987565 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,150

Finance available £48 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Autoselect

01482428561 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d M Sport 3dr

£4,945

2L
108.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,990

Finance available £513 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,398

Finance available £143 pm

2L
100.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£14,599

Finance available £304 pm

3L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 118i, 1.5 Petrol, M Sport Edition, Hatchback, 3 Door Coupe, Manual, Euro 6.

Low Mileage

£10,499

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] 5-Door

£21,197

1.5L
26.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto FBMWSH+PRONAV+H/K+ADP SUS+HTD LTHR

Reduced

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Clarity Car Group Ltd

01614139883 *

4.8/5 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 Series2019 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav-Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£12,449

Finance available £251 pm

2L
31.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 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 *

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