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.

2,554 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Anglia Autos Ltd

01144788853 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
54.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 128ti Auto 5dr - Harman Kardon Audio & Apple CarPlay & Heated Seats

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£14,199

1.5L
72.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,895

2L
123.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,296

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£22,950

1.5L
22.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £529 pm

2L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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

£21,999

Finance available £460 pm

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,698

2L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,790

1.5L
26.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 Sport Plus Edition Convertible 2dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,585

Finance available £147 pm

2L
49.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Summit Cars

01737301722 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,298

1.5L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill Vauxhall / Peugeot / Leapmo

01312025858 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£25,699

Finance available £541 pm

1.5L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2011 - M 2dr

Low Mileage

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

3L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Nick Bonar Cars

02893440727 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (61) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

2L
84.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 116d Sport 5DR Hatch Diesel

£15,689

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
50.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - 118d SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

West View Motor Company

01768800648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118d M Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,969

Finance available £238 pm

2L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr

£11,295

1.5L
107.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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