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

Low Mileage

£25,098

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy MG

01592803930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i M SPORT 5-Door

£13,975

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JMV

01634564263 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (58) - 118d M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
130.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 135i Sport Plus Edition 2dr DCT

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

3L
57.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Worlingham Motor Company

01502441250 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Autoshop Norwich

01603959728 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,495

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bateman and Lynch Cars (Liskeard)

01579550021 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Tou

£20,399

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 118d SE Coupe 2dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,950

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
116.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 118d Sport Plus Edition 2dr

Reduced

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Status Motor Group LTD

02037639097 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (0H) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

1.5L
111.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Swale Auto Sales II LTD

01748906162 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) 5dr Auto (SAT NAV, PRIVACY)

£21,488

1.5L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

3L
61.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,381

Finance available £98 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,498

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,590

Finance available £237 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,850

Finance available £265 pm

1.5L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i M Sport 5dr [Plus Pack]

£17,849

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
47.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01733309722 *

4.3/5 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