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.

2,939 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£19,899

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Aylesbury Ford

01296325843 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jonathan Dawson Car Sales Ltd

01134676315 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£22,900

Finance available £450 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GERMAN AUTOCENTRE CARS

01143086596 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£23,989

1.5L
11.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Tou

Reduced

£20,221

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 116i Sport Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d ED Plus 5-Door

Reduced

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d M Sport 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.5L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ainsdale Car Centre

01704337328 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,898

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition Auto 3dr - Sat Nav & Harman Kardon & Leather

Low Mileage

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 - 2.0 116d ES 5 door

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brett Parker Car Sales Ltd

01935311854 *

3.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£32,950

2L
10.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£23,600

Finance available £406 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£36,793

Finance available £735 pm

2L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 - 120d M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Coupe

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £442 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.6 118i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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

lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ryiOCbFViwg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.