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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

£6,825

Finance available £130 pm

1.5L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
71.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

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 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,799

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,290

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
83.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oh My Car Limited

02038934353 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bateman & Lynch Cars (Tavistock)

01822661267 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (64) - 117i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Red Motors

02039899396 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,995

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£24,900

Finance available £432 pm

2L
26.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,792

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118i SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,000

Finance available £45 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Martyns Car Sales

01932687838 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
115.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trunk Road Budget Cars

01642061101 *

0/5 Stars

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

£20,999

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£12,698

2L
48.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow London Road Motorstore / Vanstore

01416118432 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
112.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eagle Cars and Commercials Limited

01452596518 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Duman Autos

01506376796 *

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