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.

2,713 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,740

2L
46.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall SEAT Oxford

01235420017 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£29,499

Finance available £624 pm

2L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i Sport 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£19,150

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Dagenham

02038924678 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d SE Steptronic Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Junction 7 Motor Village

01254919227 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.6 116i M Sport 3-door

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

1.6L
99.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodford Car Sales Ltd

01536211620 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£10,795

Finance available £219 pm

2L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,445

Finance available £189 pm

3L
133.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AHC CAR SALES LTD

01135123659 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,595

Finance available £125 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Autoshop Norwich

01603959728 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,994

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
84.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,998

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

2L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Selection LTD

01285701754 *

BMW 1 Series(69) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,995

31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Stoneacre Grantham

01476855117 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,200

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£21,649

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 3.0 1 Series M 2dr

Low Mileage

£48,990

Finance available £986 pm

3L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Churchs Performance Cars

01403331228 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Diesel Hatchback

£14,102

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

3L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (14) - 116i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Red Motors

02039899396 *

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 *

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