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.

2,797 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,500

Finance available £503 pm

2L
39.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

S B Cars

01784776677 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£19,850

Finance available £387 pm

3L
67.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SKY AUTOMOTIVE

01566701222 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (1

£11,799

Finance available £241 pm

1.5L
66.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,490

3L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenwood Motors Ltd

01274028389 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118d Sport 5dr

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Penarth Marina Sales and Boat Services

02921676478 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,295

2L
44.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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

£19,998

1.5L
33.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,300

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£23,599

Finance available £495 pm

1.5L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD OF ACKWORTH

01977808775 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 120d M Sport 2dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Chilham Sports Cars

01227203935 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

£12,895

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Part X Motors

02038933864 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£22,050

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

Low Mileage

£23,498

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,990

2L
40.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 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