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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tamebridge Cars Ltd

01642049641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carr Mill Motors

01744419379 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 125i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tradecarsliverpool Ltd

01513050145 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,065

Finance available £389 pm

3L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,199

Finance available £474 pm

2L
51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NS Auto Trading Ltd

02039577375 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118D SE 5DR Automatic

Reduced

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JSA Cars Ltd

01253201497 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d EfficientDynamics Business 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
116.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S & A CAR AND COMMERCIALS LIMITED

01782917213 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

£24,290

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£15,700

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
43.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,990

Finance available £513 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£29,290

Finance available £628 pm

2L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,991

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£15,999

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 136 Ps

Low Mileage

£20,250

1.5L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pentagon Peugeot (Barnsley)

01226695727 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

1.6L
138.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Motor Company Ltd

01895544170 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 116i PETROL AUTO M SPORTS SUNROOF GRADE 4.5/B ULEZ EXEMPT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

BMW 1 Series2009 - M SPORT 5-Door

£995

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

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