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.

2,648 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£8,900

Finance available £177 pm

1.5L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 3.0 M140I Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,195

Finance available £456 pm

3L
40.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Of Essex Ltd

01992367296 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,498

1.5L
7.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,840

Finance available £332 pm

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,390

Finance available £357 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly M1 Motorstore (Dungannon)

02887448025 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,990

Finance available £513 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£12,795

1.5L
86.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 120d M Sport 5-Door

£19,840

2L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,992

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i ES Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (102 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,952

Finance available £88 pm

1.6L
68.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

REVS (automotive) Limited

01205332693 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 120i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,299

Finance available £51 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Geneva Motors Harlow

01279212108 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) SATNAV 2 REG

Low Mileage

£12,999

2L
39.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ask Motors

01922665493 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,868

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Blackburn

01254781054 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£19,395

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,475

Finance available £441 pm

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1 Series 1.5 116d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,000

Finance available £514 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FS Performance Ltd

01582280332 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport 5dr (FULL LEATHER, HARMAN KARDON)

£18,488

2L
45.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£24,649

Finance available £518 pm

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ryiOCbFViwg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='ryiOCbFViwg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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