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.

2,718 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,999

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,640

Finance available £215 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d ES 2dr

£2,995

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Tickhill Trade Cars

01302246799 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,600

Finance available £80 pm

1.5L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SHEFFIELD DIRECT MOTORS

01143086609 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S AND T MOTOR CO LTD

01913002236 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] Petrol Hatchback

£22,713

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Exeter

01392798455 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-door

Low Mileage

£15,300

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
38.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
100.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Motors of Garstang Ltd

01995910772 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 116i Sport Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Reduced

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
81.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 120d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,949

Finance available £459 pm

1.5L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro-Pro pk]

£27,149

Finance available £572 pm

2L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,199

2L
35.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 125i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224 ps)

Reduced

£12,440

2L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,995

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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

Low Mileage

£18,108

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,850

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros