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.

2,592 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Enterprise 2023 LTD

01613887772 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oxford Automotive

01865599168 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,495

1.5L
38.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i Sport 3dr

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
99.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorsite LTD

01633749135 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d SE 5dr

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trade Station Automotive Ltd

01623708458 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£14,099

Finance available £293 pm

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (Z5) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,600

Finance available £306 pm

1.5L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (09) - 120d SE 2dr

£2,495

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Warne Automotive

01233224229 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Car Sales B33

01217288818 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Reduced

£21,799

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shelbourne Autoselect

02838299034 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,400

Finance available £76 pm

1.5L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 118d Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Level Autos

01296791923 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Simon Kimber Cars Ltd

01284338935 *

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 Series2022 (71) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£29,495

2L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

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

£24,849

Finance available £522 pm

1.5L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

£9,800

1.5L
59.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hatt Service Centre

01752973301 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,295

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 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