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.

2,630 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£24,000

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Axholme Car Exchange Limited

01724514216 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,477

1.5L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,795

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti LCP 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £552 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118i ES 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,380

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
44.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr Convertible Heated Leather Seats Cruise £5495

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Carmania

01482421860 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
71.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
74.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Eco Car Store

01543229525 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£18,200

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [LCP/Pro/Tech pk]

Reduced

£17,895

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118i Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Brookmans Motor Group

01707242293 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Slough Cars

01753980473 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2008 BMW 1 Series 118i M Sport 2dr Convertible.

£1,995

2L
227.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Calibre Car Sales

01206489522 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (4Y) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,049

Finance available £190 pm

2L
60.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,549

Finance available £516 pm

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,800

1.5L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Kings Lynn

01553604436 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£21,499

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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