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.

2,917 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120i SE Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,849

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£29,381

2L
6.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

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

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£10,632

Finance available £220 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Michael Woods Cars

02890023060 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Middlesex Motors

02039577419 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 120D xDrive M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£20,250

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 4 5dr

Reduced

£1,500

2L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£29,695

2L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£23,998

1.5L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£14,491

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
91.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,290

Finance available £252 pm

2L
115.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

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

£12,790

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

£18,350

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

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

£21,295

Finance available £463 pm

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

T Wall Garages Vauxhall - Kingswinford

01384881243 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£21,550

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
100.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

James Bush Cars

01652241116 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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