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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£20,945

Finance available £410 pm

3L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Calder Motor Co

01506376640 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 116i Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
70.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Pontardulais Motor Company Swansea

01792940427 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Victory Car Sales

01728441255 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,698

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault / Dacia (Elgin)

01343611162 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£23,498

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Ayr)

01292431668 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (58) - 123d SE 3dr

£1,990

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TS Motors

01282509437 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118I M Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,130

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellahi Motors Limited

01256679122 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£9,869

Finance available £198 pm

1.5L
71.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vehicle Solutions NW Ltd

01995910308 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£24,617

2L
17.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu SEAT Derby

01332318533 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5L 116d Edition+ Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (114 bhp)

£5,995

Finance available £109 pm

1.5L
107.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North End Motor Company

01382213491 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,989

Finance available £357 pm

3L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£5,925

Finance available £110 pm

1.5L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,795

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Great Rides Car Sales

01482697812 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,900

Finance available £349 pm

2L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i Urban Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,595

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
109.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Cars and Commercials Ltd

01227203373 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto ++ SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / SENSORS ++

Low Mileage

£7,975

Finance available £156 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,498

1.5L
27.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow Garscube Road Vauxhall / Leapmotor

01414736408 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Seacroft Ford Mablethorpe

01522308128 *

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