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.

2,800 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 Owner / Low

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
40.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,990

Finance available £311 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 116d ES Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£2,990

2L
107.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motors Avenue Inc

01483917624 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
75.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2008 - 2.0 SE 5dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
84.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Of Kent

01634957989 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Selection LTD

01285701754 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (15)

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

CAZOON LTD

01162165624 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,695

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Park Lane Cars

01782518971 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£33,759

2L
4.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£21,490

2L
40.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Old Wool Motors

01616944295 *

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

£22,182

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Melton Mowbray

01664490868 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 116d SE Business 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CRUISE ++

Low Mileage

£8,670

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - M135i M Performance 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,440

Finance available £211 pm

3L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Hammick Ltd

01277285891 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£26,079

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

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

* 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