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.

2,631 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Pro pk]

£25,499

Finance available £536 pm

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 s/s 116 ps

£6,995

1.5L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ribble Cars

01200404074 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,481

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,992

1.5L
31.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - SuperMini World

01563590214 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,491

1.5L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,940

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,650

Finance available £260 pm

1.5L
53.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CAR HOUSE OF BRITIAN LTD

01614139885 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£39,000

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
94.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jonathan Dawson Car Sales Ltd

01134676315 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£28,972

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rainham Motors LTD

01708205565 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 2.0 118d Edition ES Euro 4 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,399

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Z a motors

01785336152 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 125d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bob Basted Car Sales

01603567767 *

2.5/5 Stars

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

£25,135

2L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,295

Finance available £417 pm

3L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118i SPORT AUTOMATIC/STEPTRONIC CONVERTIBLE (ULEZ COMPLIANT) 2-Door

Reduced

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,632

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Ford West Bromwich

01217288853 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
148.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Glenbournes

02038928683 *

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