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.

2,655 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Carsite London

02038933723 *

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 Series2019 - 120i (2.0) M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Auto (Harmon/Kard

£11,500

2L
94.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorparks Preston

01772347475 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,749

1.5L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

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

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

North Star Sussex Ltd

01273003666 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
106.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Pro pk]

£26,049

Finance available £548 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d Exclusive Edition Coupe 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (177 ps) LE

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
120.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Autopoint (Stansted) Ltd

01279212477 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 116d M Sport 5dr ++ ZERO DEPOST 310 P/MTH + SAT NAV / LEATHER / ULEZ / DAB

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£24,998

2L
37.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,475

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,699

Finance available £425 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

£17,231

1.5L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Birmingham Central

01217525801 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

Reduced

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

1.5L
3.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

Low Mileage

£4,994

Finance available £89 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Tech/Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£19,239

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 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