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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£27,843

Finance available £551 pm

1.5L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Steven Eagell Toyota Northampton

01604973508 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118i Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Reduced

£3,150

Finance available £48 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Autoselect

01482428561 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

D C Cars

01143086551 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Castle View Motorhouse

01492551347 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,208

2L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr Auto [Sat Nav] 2015-15

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A B Trading

01273095162 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£14,270

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,551

Finance available £280 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Edward Johnson Otley Ltd

01943660538 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport 3dr

£2,995

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Aim Car Sales

01382213724 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Genie

01484509565 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 D M SPORT 5Dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Master Cars Bedford

01767668796 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - M135i AUTO 5 DOOR UMOLESTED

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

3L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Autos Ltd

01628561148 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,450

1.5L
22.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£10,090

Finance available £203 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 125i [224] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,590

Finance available £237 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,900

Finance available £310 pm

1.5L
42.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,500

Finance available £337 pm

1.5L
27.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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