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.

2,787 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KT Cars Ltd

01306771707 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (0G) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,500

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,989

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grand Motors Stockport Ltd

01614139892 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Teesside Car Finance

01642937529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,490

1.5L
26.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

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

£19,089

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,250

1.5L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,228

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
55.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ZAK CAR DEALERS LTD

01784778966 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,795

1.5L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Clitheroe

01200409818 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP/Pro pk]

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£10,488

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120i SE 2dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Convertible

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,895

2L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£37,214

2L
4.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
51.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

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