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.

3,035 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PX Motors Ltd

01924669032 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 116D SPORT 5-Door

£4,995

1.5L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tony Car Sales Ltd

02393871677 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,100

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

3L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 128ti 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,400

2L
17.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£24,399

Finance available £512 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

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

£34,495

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£24,900

Finance available £430 pm

2L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,500

Finance available £565 pm

2L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Tou

Reduced

£20,341

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d M Sport 5-Door

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wimborne Car Sales

01202052311 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£13,700

Finance available £284 pm

3L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,500

Finance available £317 pm

2L
41.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,500

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carlton Car Centre Limited

01156977766 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£700

1.6L
93.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£25,490

2L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,790

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

T C AUTOS

01156848123 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.