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.

2,554 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Manual

Reduced

£18,999

2L
19.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sherwoods Suzuki Gateshead

01918146222 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,298

1.5L
5.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,668

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 8.8in D

£15,285

Finance available £293 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,900

Finance available £288 pm

3L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 4 2dr

Reduced

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

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

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MDLUXEAUTO

01162166642 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BELLE VUE MOTORS

01697920510 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

£23,500

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
64.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 118i SE 5 door

Reduced

£4,995

2L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dryden BCS

01212722017 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr - 1 OWNER FROM NEW -

Low Mileage

£17,990

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Glasshoughton Car Sales

01977803305 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (61) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - M135i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
69.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DVS Commercials

01664490545 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 128ti Auto 5dr - Harman Kardon Audio & Apple CarPlay & Heated Seats

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (DP) - 2.0 118d Edition ES Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

£2,495

2L
138.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

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

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 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

lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ryiOCbFViwg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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