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.

3,031 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto

£9,695

3L
106.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Run About Autos LTD

01756636620 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,899

Finance available £244 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,200

Finance available £442 pm

1.5L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,989

Finance available £178 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£19,800

1.5L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£19,495

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
89.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lighthouse Motors

01513177158 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,750

3L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Reduced

£25,700

2L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£22,075

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
35.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,200

Finance available £420 pm

1.5L
20.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Reduced

£5,795

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Market Yorkshire

01924668146 *

1.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,799

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
46.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 120d BluePerformance SE 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

2L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,195

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,294

Finance available £118 pm

1.5L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

£18,480

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport 5dr Step Auto Ex Police

£4,695

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CSK Cars And Commercials

01639501144 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£15,799

Finance available £321 pm

1.5L
60.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

02039577378 *

4.2/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.