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.

2,609 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,990

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 120i SE Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s)

£11,795

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
87.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BSB AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01474552426 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£8,690

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
78.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 120i SE COUPE 2 DOOR (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,899

Finance available £501 pm

2L
24.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,899

Finance available £366 pm

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO RANGE TRADE CENTRE LTD

01443801307 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

2.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

3L
77.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.6/5 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 Series2013 (63) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Reduced

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,999

1.5L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 120i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,894

Finance available £199 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (RU) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

3L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d SPORT 5-Door

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fox 4X4 Specialist

01384881134 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£21,602

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Northampton

01604343506 *

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