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.

2,917 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£20,997

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,799

Finance available £455 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 116d Sport lcp Hatchback 5dr Diesel Dct Euro 6 s/s 116 Ps

£18,200

1.5L
37.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pentagon Vauxhall (Loughborough)

01332414577 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr [Tech Pack]

£13,995

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
70.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps) - LED - HE

£29,089

Finance available £590 pm

2L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i 1.5 Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Reduced

£4,990

Finance available £85 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,799

Finance available £521 pm

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (25) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£45,000

2L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
48.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Kia/Abarth (Seafield)

01316036422 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,289

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Sheffield

01143086605 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
60.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Derbyshire Elite Car Sales Limited

01332419205 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 118d Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic] MANUIAL DIESEL 74000 MILES

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204939561 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Enzos Auto Deals

01582342265 *

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

£19,991

2L
94.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£28,063

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

£18,911

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d ED Plus Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
119.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PINNACLE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01156848090 *

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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros