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.

2,803 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,600

Finance available £305 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

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

£17,995

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Canterbury Vauxhall

01227203980 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,499

1.5L
60.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 128ti 5-Door

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

2L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LHK Performance Cars Ltd

01743290953 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d Sport 3dr £35 Road Tax

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Maximum Car Supermarket

02392002264 *

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

£23,250

Finance available £477 pm

2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sittingbourne Cars and Classics

01795506518 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118d SE 3dr

£1,695

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keighley Vehicle Sales

01535281001 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

£25,900

2L
37.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Van Sales Ltd

01515417902 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,300

Finance available £74 pm

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 118d SE 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Diesels Direct

01986807191 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£20,995

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,745

Finance available £128 pm

1.5L
93.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MMK AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

01524237300 *

BMW 1 Series(68) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,690

Finance available £261 pm

81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Manor Wood Cars Ltd

01164646329 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr - super clean - see video

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Roston Park Motors

02476017022 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Reduced

£10,790

1.5L
83.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,992

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,900

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

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

* 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