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.

2,803 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

1.5L
29.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars2 Wakefield Renault Dacia

01924667245 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - M135i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

3L
77.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volvass Limited

01205330468 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Ayr)

01292431680 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£4,395

Finance available £76 pm

1.6L
93.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£36,295

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i Gpf M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s

£12,799

1.5L
61.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual FOR SALE WITH 12 MONTHS MOT

£2,995

2L
137.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swale Auto Sales I LTD

01748900780 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,900

Finance available £221 pm

1.5L
76.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

THEURBANDEALERSHIP LTD

02039577411 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118i M Sport Shadow Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,295

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TS Motors

01282509437 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,786

Finance available £345 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,895

Finance available £556 pm

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sittingbourne Cars and Classics

01795506518 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£22,050

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,489

Finance available £346 pm

3L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£5,850

Finance available £108 pm

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,770

2L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros