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.

2,792 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 125d M Sport 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,549

Finance available £294 pm

2L
57.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£15,600

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,999

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CAMERA ++

Low Mileage

£11,625

Finance available £237 pm

1.5L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RISHTON AUTO CARE LIMITED

01254919190 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,650

Finance available £126 pm

1.5L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Absolute Car Co

01794331245 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,590

1.5L
106.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Automatic Motors Ltd

01895546521 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£15,900

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
48.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,499

Finance available £536 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series(15) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

96.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

LIV MOTORS

01612416374 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 123d M Sport 2dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Mike Bass

01884211283 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,800

Finance available £174 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
91.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,800

Finance available £328 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,249

Finance available £439 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,694

Finance available £105 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£18,499

1.5L
36.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£27,643

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 4 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Cheadle Car Sales

01613887701 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Beckside 4x4 Centre Ltd

01274059181 *

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