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.

2,693 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Collinwood Cars

02890023212 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£23,200

Finance available £456 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,900

Finance available £676 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d SE Sports Hatch (s/s) 5dr

£5,789

Finance available £107 pm

2L
167.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,700

1.5L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,550

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£21,399

Finance available £419 pm

2L
48.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

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

£22,499

Finance available £471 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 120i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Graham Marsh Car Sales Ltd

01227204258 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RD Motors Ltd

01708973724 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blenheim Cars LTD

01865411816 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series(18) - 2.0 118d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

BCW CARS SALES LTD OF ACKWORTH

01977808775 *

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

£24,399

Finance available £512 pm

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Heritage Car Sales

01733977072 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
47.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Farlan Automotives Limited

02038730401 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£38,950

2L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,999

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 1.6 116d ED EfficientDynamics Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
96.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Halesowen Trade Centre Ltd

01217288685 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,695

1.5L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,900

Finance available £409 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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