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.

2,680 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive

£23,500

Finance available £482 pm

2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5-Door

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

2L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£24,299

Finance available £510 pm

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,423

Finance available £124 pm

2L
98.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,795

1.5L
86.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (62) - 120i 5dr + IMPORT + 34K + PETROL + CLEAN CAR

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mexus

02037639082 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MY MOTOR SMART LIMITED

01134689428 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (07) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£18,049

Finance available £369 pm

2L
57.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,299

2L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Store Maidstone

01252947629 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,990

2L
41.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Podium PCL

01908953493 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (70) - 1.5 118I M SPORT 5d 139 BHP 8.8in Sat Nav, 10.3in Active Display, Apple Car 5-Door

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,395

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,000

1.5L
35.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,881

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 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