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.

2,623 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Hatchback

£41,572

2L
2.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 130i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (16) - Bmw 116d Ed Plus 3-Door

Low Mileage

£8,950

Finance available £170 pm

1.5L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dales SEAT at Scorrier

01209704144 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,980

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,698

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault / Dacia (Elgin)

01343611162 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,551

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars by Peter Cooper West End

02380017190 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£27,800

Finance available £551 pm

2L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£22,790

1.5L
26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
43.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NETHERTON ROAD CAR SALES LTD

01698533313 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 116i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

2L
72.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LNK Motors

01618049256 *

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

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.5L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273252 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,298

2L
33.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,450

Finance available £502 pm

2L
46.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto-1 OWNER FROM NEW FINISHED IN BLAC

£27,500

Finance available £544 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

£3,290

Finance available £51 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Space Motors Limited

01582280664 *

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 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros