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.

2,641 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,890

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£18,899

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Purewell Motor Company

01202076204 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£25,949

Finance available £569 pm

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 118d M Sport Automatic Steptronic 140PS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Central Car Sales

01524917288 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £412 pm

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£22,902

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,970

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 116d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£23,920

Finance available £471 pm

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Buy and Go Cars

02920108594 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,753

2L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

C Fierro Garages

01889440699 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fairview Autos

01689669464 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - LED

£25,631

Finance available £517 pm

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

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 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 116I SPORT 5d 135 BHP 5-Door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
100.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd

01312027981 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,053

Finance available £403 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Walton

01932559049 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.6 Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
75.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116D ED PLUS 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

£10,990

1.5L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

2.4/5 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