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.

2,655 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport 5dr (LCP)(SAT NAV, HALF LEATHER)

£17,988

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Autoshop Norwich

01603959728 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 5-Door

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HT NIHON MOTORS LTD

01162165685 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 3.0 M135i Auto 5dr

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

3L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-Door

£13,190

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
57.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

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

Low Mileage

£16,200

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

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

£29,617

2L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£21,399

Finance available £419 pm

2L
48.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,500

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,390

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,800

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£28,895

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goscote Services

01164785112 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 116i Performance Edition 3 door

Low Mileage

£6,190

Finance available £116 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cavectra Centre

01375801182 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,994

Finance available £156 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,926

1.6L
106.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£10,449

Finance available £198 pm

1.5L
75.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Palamino NW Ltd

01704335673 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

£19,849

Finance available £408 pm

2L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 120d xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,145

Finance available £373 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

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