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.

2,707 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [LCP/Pro/Tech pk]

Reduced

£17,895

Finance available £393 pm

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Murray Motors (FRS) Ltd

01346410646 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,100

Finance available £504 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,495

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,770

1.5L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,200

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,000

Finance available £292 pm

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 Series2016 - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,200

Finance available £116 pm

1.5L
90.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - BMW 118i 1.5 M Sport 5dr

£17,808

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Gloucester

01452227254 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d Sport 5dr

£2,295

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N A Motor Co

01164785672 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£16,670

2L
58.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£18,500

Finance available £360 pm

3L
56.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Great Rides Car Sales

01482697812 *

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

£17,389

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
50.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - M SPORT

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
65.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Amalfi Autos Limited

01427801272 *

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