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.

2,594 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£27,600

Finance available £480 pm

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£19,995

2L
66.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,551

Finance available £280 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Edward Johnson Otley Ltd

01943660538 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£29,838

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

The Motor Yard Ltd

02038933668 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kudos Motors And Van Sales

01449700847 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£18,000

Finance available £349 pm

3L
68.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carzooo Limited

01616720266 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

3L
85.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Status Motor Group LTD

02037639097 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,065

Finance available £389 pm

3L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 116d ES Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£2,990

2L
107.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motors Avenue Inc

01483917624 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heathrow Carz

01753306795 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
133.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

2L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 - 118i SE Hatchback 2.0 Automatic Petrol 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stevenage Road Garage Limited

01462412936 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

£10,090

Finance available £203 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

£15,498

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenock Used Car Centre

01475602098 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Reduced

£24,500

Finance available £514 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Vospers Ford Truro

01872301823 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£30,000

Finance available £596 pm

2L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 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