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.

2,665 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 5dr

Reduced

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
35.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SKV Motors

01708202983 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto Haus

01274087673 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
83.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derbyshire Elite Car Sales Limited

01332419205 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,191

Finance available £250 pm

29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hyundai Scarborough

01723333359 *

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

£34,750

Finance available £785 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Trade Cars and Commercials

01661520494 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,786

Finance available £345 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120i [2.0] M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£14,493

Finance available £301 pm

2L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

£18,700

Finance available £364 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SOUTH HAMS AUTOS LTD

01364700699 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 116d ED Plus 5-Door

£5,199

Finance available £94 pm

1.5L
95.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (04) - 3.0 M135I 5d 322 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£21,348

Finance available £418 pm

3L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Integrity Automotive Limited

01473907545 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d SE Coupe 2dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,980

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5l 5d 134 BHP 5-Door

£17,899

1.5L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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

Reduced

£17,799

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stockport Car Supermarket

01612416384 *

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

£15,984

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
76.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K W Motors Ltd

01727648035 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 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