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.

2,771 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£18,850

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,000

Finance available £112 pm

2L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

The Car Centre

01443583942 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 120d Sport 5-Door

£19,200

2L
40.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DR-CC (DR Car Company)

01143086588 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,481

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£24,898

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
62.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

100

Low Mileage

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

3L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

D N Trade Motors Ltd

01145537267 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,600

Finance available £325 pm

2L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£13,900

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,600

Finance available £125 pm

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

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

£14,299

1.5L
68.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£10,199

Finance available £206 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 118i Urban 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

1.6L
106.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,248

Finance available £251 pm

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

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 Series2019 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Grange Road Motors

02886273066 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£27,400

Finance available £475 pm

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 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