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.

2,766 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,000

1.5L
35.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - M140i 3dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,489

Finance available £346 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Suffolk Prestige

01473354265 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,499

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
9.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Progress Motor Group

01536211991 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.6L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£17,000

Finance available £292 pm

1.5L
39.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,998

1.5L
13.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark York Motorstore / Vanstore

01904803322 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 5dr 118i 136 M Sport Automatic

Low Mileage

£24,495

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Frosts Chichester

01243219542 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,295

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - M135i M Performance 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £225 pm

3L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

GL Cars

01359303321 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£21,790

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£13,900

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118d M Sport 5dr

£17,669

Finance available £361 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01513174824 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,531

Finance available £582 pm

2L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

2L
95.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (04) - 3.0 M135I 5d 322 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£21,348

Finance available £418 pm

3L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Integrity Automotive Limited

01473907545 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,984

Finance available £349 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heathrow Carz

01753306795 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 118D M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr

£14,490

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

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