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.

2,619 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,600

Finance available £341 pm

1.5L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,199

1.5L
46.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,150

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,079

Finance available £248 pm

28.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hyundai Scarborough

01723333359 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (Z9) - 2.0 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy

01492525999 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£9,106

1.5L
54.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volvo Derby

01332318472 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 125d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mervyn Purdy Motors

02890023759 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,000

Finance available £349 pm

3L
70.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TMC Motors

01252960115 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d Sport 5dr

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118D SPORT 5d AUTO 148 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,499

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120I SPORT 2d 168 BHP 2-Door

Reduced

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Urban Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,470

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

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

£18,666

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

1.5L
46.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quest Motor Group

01376312247 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech 1-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,449

Finance available £491 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

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