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.

2,724 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£23,998

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£29,266

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A2 Trade Ltd T/A Shipley Performance

01332502052 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,095

Finance available £114 pm

1.6L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 135i M Sport DCT Coupe N55 2-Door

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£15,550

Finance available £325 pm

1.5L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£20,250

Finance available £395 pm

3L
67.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SKY AUTOMOTIVE

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i M Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / HARMON KARDON / DAB / ULEZ ++

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d M Sport 3dr Step Auto RED LEATHER / SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£1,895

2L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HORNSBY CARS LTD

01268203043 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£13,499

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 - 1.6 116i ES 3 door

Low Mileage

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,399

Finance available £556 pm

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£20,822

Finance available £452 pm

2L
68.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£10,749

1.5L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series3.0 130i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Buyer 247.com LTD

01202059717 *

3.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 5dr 118i 136 M Sport Automatic

Low Mileage

£24,495

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Frosts Chichester

01243219542 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120i [2.0] M Sport Shadow Ed SALVAGE REPAIRED 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,991

Finance available £246 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

01280733612 *

0/5 Stars

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

£17,449

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
50.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

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