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.

2,592 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars

01709915539 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£24,888

Finance available £491 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WRC Sales Limited

01228588371 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

Reduced

£2,795

1.6L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Used Car Sales Group

01216618712 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 116d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.5L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dynamic Motor Company Ltd

01422413648 *

2.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
152.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£25,850

Finance available £511 pm

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,990

2L
3.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series2005 (05) - 1.6 116I SPORT RACE/TRACK CAR PACKAGE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DT Performance Cars

01827211400 *

5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£22,750

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Dagenham

02038924678 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,250

Finance available £642 pm

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

MB Car Sales

01480273969 *

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

£8,986

Finance available £193 pm

1.5L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mark Payne Cars

01145537261 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Reduced

£18,695

Finance available £364 pm

3L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shadow Automotive Ltd

01780431436 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

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

* 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