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.

2,787 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2004 (54) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 4 5dr

Reduced

£1,500

2L
144.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 116d Sport 5dr

£1,350

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wheelwise

01535281131 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,975

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£27,400

Finance available £475 pm

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

JKMotors (sw) ltd

01872301752 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£20,000

Finance available £416 pm

3L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,599

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
34.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

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

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S AND T MOTOR CO LTD

01913002236 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

2L
130.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ELITE SERVICING & VEHICLE SALES LTD

01473356712 *

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

£12,995

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
75.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

3L
133.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AHC CAR SALES LTD

01135123659 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116i Sport 5dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 116d SE 5dr Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£14,318

1.5L
32.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Nissan Halifax

01422411360 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Knightsbridge Cars NI

02890023756 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (70) - 1.5 118I M SPORT 5d 139 BHP 8.8in Sat Nav, 10.3in Active Display, Apple Car 5-Door

£20,556

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,180

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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