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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

£25,498

35.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

3L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 120i 5dr + IMPORT + 34K + PETROL + CLEAN CAR

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mexus

02037639082 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 120d BluePerformance SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£18,263

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Walton

01932559049 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,999

Finance available £547 pm

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Gpf M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s

£12,799

1.5L
61.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,990

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,799

2L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118I SPORT NAV AUTO 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

BMW 1 Series2005 - 120i SE 5-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,300

Finance available £141 pm

2L
64.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

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

£23,995

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Aberdeen

01224451039 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
46.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Premier Cars

01708932385 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SA CARS (DERBY) LTD

01332418705 *

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

£24,490

1.5L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
98.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

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