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.

2,868 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2005 - 116i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,295

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£45,000

2L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,850

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£32,976

2L
6.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] SPORT 5 DOOR [NAV/SERVOTRONIC]

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MITCHELLS FLEET MANAGEMENT LTD

01412601331 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - 120i M Sport 2-Door

£4,000

2L
120.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (4D) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

£4,491

Finance available £78 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

BMW 1 Series(71) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,940

13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Harwoods of Sussex

01798301132 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

2L
47.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,900

Finance available £132 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£13,270

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£4,395

Finance available £76 pm

1.6L
93.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

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

£22,199

Finance available £483 pm

1.5L
34.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Norwich

01603337183 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
51.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,112

Finance available £248 pm

2L
53.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Select Car Shop Ltd

01165093216 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

RISHTON AUTO CARE LIMITED

01254919190 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118d SE 3dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ramy Car Sales Ltd

02922679494 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,457

Finance available £216 pm

1.5L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros