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.

2,701 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£10,998

1.5L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wirral Renault / Dacia

01515417812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] - 2 KEYS, REAR PARKING SENSORS

£11,450

1.5L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Mallusk

02890026913 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 2.0 123d M Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,425

Finance available £54 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,995

1.5L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Trade Sales Bodmin

01208221184 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

3.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118D M SPORT 5DR

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Thurrock Car Centre

01375808571 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Lichfield Road Motors Ltd

01543220813 *

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

£21,018

Finance available £420 pm

1.5L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i Sport 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
65.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,200

Finance available £94 pm

2L
95.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

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 Series2023 - 118I [136] M SPORT 5DR [LIVE COCKPIT PROFESSIONAL]

Low Mileage

£20,490

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brayley Honda St Albans

01727225004 *

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

£21,649

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

1.5L
84.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lami Auto Ltd

01895541066 *

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

Reduced

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto2000 Prestige Cars

02037808184 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,378

Finance available £533 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,900

Finance available £244 pm

2L
77.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

2.5/5 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