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 (71) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,900

Finance available £432 pm

2L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 1.5 118I Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
61.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sleaford Car Centre

01529401234 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 118I 136 STEP LCP M Sport 5-Door

£20,799

Finance available £451 pm

1.5L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hendy Renault Salisbury

01722441729 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,499

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,650

Finance available £342 pm

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116D M SPORT 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

£5,000

2L
126.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps) 1 FORMER

£14,395

1.5L
79.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 123d SE 2dr Coupe (59 Reg)Leather Nav Elec Roof F/S/H Top Spec STUNNING EXA

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Let's Go Cars

01634471234 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
162.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HM Cars

01143996752 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£13,290

1.5L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120i Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Rk Motoring Ltd

01702418738 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fairview Autos

01689669464 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 120d Sport 5-Door

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
173.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£6,595

Finance available £125 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Julian Motor Sales

01993463580 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (62) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£5,895

Finance available £109 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MY MOTOR SMART LIMITED

01134689428 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£15,984

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
76.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K W Motors Ltd

01727648035 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 123d M Sport 2dr

£4,290

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

The Motoring Company

01280733610 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,898

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 2.0 M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

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