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.

2,745 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Reduced

£24,695

Finance available £551 pm

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118I M SPORT 2d 141 BHP 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
65.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

1.5L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nigel Geoffrey

01246383565 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,497

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,450

1.5L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-Door

£11,575

Finance available £236 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i SPORT 5-Door

£12,475

Finance available £256 pm

1.5L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JMV

01634564263 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d EfficientDynamics Business 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.6L
116.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shaneys Autos Ltd

01603937082 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£29,796

Finance available £592 pm

2L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,494

Finance available £100 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

1.5L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shahz Cars Ltd

01525308852 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£23,250

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,470

2L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£23,895

1.5L
13.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 120d xDrive Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,195

Finance available £138 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Imperial Car And Van Sales Ltd

01145510329 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£11,450

Finance available £233 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d SPORT CONVERTIBLE 2DR DIESEL MANUAL EURO 5 (143 PS)

£2,544

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

The Van Sales Company

01616944772 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,970

Finance available £178 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct - Leeds

01138875266 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hudson Autos

01621734609 *

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