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.

2,623 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - AUTOMATIC 125I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 120d SE 2dr

£1,995

2L
133.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£27,000

Finance available £466 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 3dr [Nav]

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.5L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£13,295

2L
87.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
112.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - M SPORT

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£27,500

Finance available £477 pm

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 118i Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Brookmans Motor Group

01707242293 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£30,792

2L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars by Peter Cooper (Horsham)

01403331264 *

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

£17,700

Finance available £300 pm

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Range Doncaster Ltd

01325529177 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (7E) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (stop/start) (190 ps)

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
69.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RDM Direct

01283241526 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

1.5L
43.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NETHERTON ROAD CAR SALES LTD

01698533313 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£17,995

Finance available £372 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JOSH HOUGHTON MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01942365157 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Three Pines Garage Limited

01885477786 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Harrogate Ltd

01423648648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Petrol Hatchback

£21,523

1.5L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Northampton

01604343506 *

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