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.

2,661 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,400

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
60.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Derbyshire Elite Car Sales Limited

01332419205 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d Sport 3dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,999

Finance available £89 pm

2L
96.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Dash Car Sales

01509272341 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 M135I XDRIVE 5d 302 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£25,495

Finance available £514 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (9B) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,441

Finance available £166 pm

1.5L
77.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Nationwide Vehicle Finance Ltd

01204324459 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Collinwood Cars

02890023212 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,700

Finance available £413 pm

1.5L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£26,698

2L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hillington Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Vanstore

01414068774 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,400

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5-Door

Reduced

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
89.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

88 Motorhouse Ltd

01616720429 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,000

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,250

Finance available £642 pm

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,295

1.5L
38.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,000

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,948

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperials Chelmsford

01245673729 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£13,195

1.5L
89.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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

£25,898

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RISHTON AUTO CARE LIMITED

01254919190 *

4.5/5 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