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.

2,700 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,450

Finance available £358 pm

1.5L
58.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,450

Finance available £233 pm

3L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Clean Cars Connection LTD

01524237312 *

0/5 Stars

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

£24,558

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 118d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,795

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£24,600

Finance available £430 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i (136) M Sport 5dr Step Auto (LCP / PRO PACK)

Reduced

£24,890

1.5L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corvette & INEOS Midlands

01675627077 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£3,399

Finance available £54 pm

1.6L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,985

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
79.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Roxforde Cars

02890023134 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,500

Finance available £337 pm

1.5L
27.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£40,459

2L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,277

2L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Epsom

01372231864 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,195

1.5L
56.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.6 120i M Sports With sunroof

Low Mileage

£10,850

Finance available £220 pm

1.6L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Loyal Corporations (UK) LIMITED

02476936627 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d M Sport 3dr Step Auto RED LEATHER / SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

£23,499

Finance available £487 pm

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 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

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