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.

2,775 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d SE 5dr Step Auto

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JO Automotive

01656336639 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£27,895

Finance available £553 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,599

Finance available £304 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£9,270

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£26,599

Finance available £560 pm

2L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
82.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
40.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Stop Motors Dewsbury

01924665170 *

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

£20,990

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 123d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Right Car Right Price

01493801259 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118I M SPORT 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Taylor Motor Group (Farndon Road)

01636554121 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EFFICIENTDYNAMICS 5-Door

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carrera Cars Wales

01685702350 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

BMW 1 Series2005 - 120i SE 5-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,100

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Aylesbury Ford

01296325843 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(17) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Supercar Clinic Ltd

01204584584 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,200

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
41.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

T and T Motors

01924665188 *

0/5 Stars

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

£9,940

Finance available £200 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,242

Finance available £139 pm

1.5L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

4.7/5 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