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.

2,791 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,150

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£32,841

2L
7.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,180

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,339

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Milton Keynes Peugeot

01908049752 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 2.0 120D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,760

Finance available £151 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition M140i Replica - Lovely Example - 45MPG 5-Door

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FMC Swansea Ltd

01792739469 *

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

£23,998

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,599

Finance available £415 pm

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116d Sport 5-door

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Peak Motors Limited

01663790344 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 116d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
65.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SRE Motors Ltd

01782432860 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,800

Finance available £653 pm

2L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,699

Finance available £351 pm

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (13) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

1.6L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 123d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,595

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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

£32,500

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,950

3L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

BMW 1 Series(71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,500

38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 116d SE [BIG SPEC] AUTO 5 Dr

Reduced

£15,995

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 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