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.

2,784 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2025 (15) - 1.6L PETROL-AUTOMATIC-ULEZ/CAZ PASS-FREE 18MONTHS GOLD WARRANTY & 12MONTHS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
34.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carolina Motors UK

01733666958 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

£23,998

1.5L
17.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£13,999

1.5L
68.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (72) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,679

Finance available £371 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - Sport 5-Door

£15,999

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Hull

01482947530 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£45,000

2L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 118d Urban 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Elms Car Sales Ltd

01278555741 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d SE AUTO 5-Door

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

ALLCARS(sales)LIMITEDT/aAllcars

01945664266 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
103.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Alecocarco

01472404033 *

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 Series2015 - 116d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Roxforde Cars

02890023134 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,949

Finance available £66 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,750

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,600

Finance available £125 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Hub (Midlands)

01623703437 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Automatic

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £244 pm

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£20,350

Finance available £398 pm

2L
37.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

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

£22,999

Finance available £482 pm

1.5L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lexus Tunbridge Wells

01892572257 *

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