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.

2,793 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AQS CAR SPECIALISTS

01733306260 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series(71) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£14,700

48.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Carbon Motors Ltd

01216615534 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,494

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (15)

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

CAZOON LTD

01162165624 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,788

1.5L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW 1 Series(13) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£2,997

Finance available £49 pm

115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Click Once Motor Group

01753379108 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118I SE 5DR Manual

Reduced

£9,481

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Daniel Maxwell Car Sales

01614139879 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (218 ps)

Reduced

£11,640

Finance available £238 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£32,841

2L
7.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120d M Sport Coupe 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,288

Finance available £73 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Fine Car Sales

01733942778 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,800

1.5L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£26,599

Finance available £560 pm

2L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,228

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

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