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.

2,870 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £189 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

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

£23,998

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 3.0 125i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Steptronic Euro 5 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Richmond Motor Company

01592808546 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) -

£17,414

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

3L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Per4mance Cars Limited

01625468256 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) 8.8in D

£14,899

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,708

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Bolton

01204584597 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,200

Finance available £279 pm

2L
48.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

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

Reduced

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116d SE 5dr

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2007 (07) - 116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars and Vans

02476930879 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr

£7,999

1.5L
79.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Irvine Outlet & EV Centre

01294444950 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

3L
29.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116

Reduced

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,498

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,750

Finance available £406 pm

3L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£24,400

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,275

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 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

* 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