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.

2,688 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,479

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
65.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,920

Finance available £471 pm

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Buy and Go Cars

02920108594 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,399

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
61.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

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

£24,888

Finance available £491 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WRC Sales Limited

01228588371 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,200

Finance available £438 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116D SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SVM Automotive Ltd

01202087555 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d Sport 3-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A5 Cars and Commercials Limited

01543225765 *

3.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,300

Finance available £417 pm

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,900

Finance available £244 pm

2L
77.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - Sport 5-Door

£15,999

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Hull

01482947530 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 125d M Sport 5-Door

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Castle Cars

01736806432 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

2.8/5 Stars

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 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£27,300

Finance available £540 pm

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 135i Sport Plus Edition 2dr DCT

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

3L
57.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Worlingham Motor Company

01502441250 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,899

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport Automatic Steptronic 140PS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d Sport 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
33.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpino Cars Ltd

01616696759 *

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