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.

2,554 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,292

Finance available £531 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 118d SE 5dr

£2,500

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trade Car Sales

01217288898 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,972

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,480

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
40.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Roy Hanna Motors

02894338774 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£17,999

Finance available £349 pm

3L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

£1,395

2L
177.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

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

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,000

Finance available £314 pm

1.5L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£15,498

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Kirkcaldy)

01592808074 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,000

Finance available £313 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,790

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 3.0 M135i Sports Hatch Sport Auto 3dr

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 120i M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Autozone Cars

02870449518 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

3L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 120d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,991

2L
100.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,900

Finance available £177 pm

1.5L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

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