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.

2,885 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Eco Car Store

01543229525 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 2.0 118d Sport 5-door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
75.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Paignton Motor Company

01803223528 *

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

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 123 xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£32,412

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£23,298

1.5L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore / BYD (Linwood)

01414736404 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
62.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMGB

01278550715 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i [1.5] SE 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£6,270

Finance available £118 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

L4C Oldbury

01215166136 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 Petrol Automatic Hatchback Leather ULEZ Free 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

1.6L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TM UK TRADING LTD

02037637078 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

2L
162.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kudos Motors And Van Sales

01449700847 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (63) - 116i - SPORTS-1.6L PETROL-AUTOMATIC-ULEZ/CAZ PASS-FREE 18MONTHS GOLD WARRAN 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,199

Finance available £138 pm

1.6L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carolina Motors UK

01733666958 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,550

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£14,440

1.5L
36.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Bradford

01274028395 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118D M SPORT 3d 147 BHP 3-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,795

Finance available £407 pm

1.5L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jackson Car Sales

01362700945 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 116d EfficientDynamics 5dr

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

1.6L
120.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D T CARS bristol LTD

01225541204 *

BMW 1 Series2025 - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,502

Finance available £647 pm

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TF Car Sales Ltd

01455241626 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - LED

£19,786

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Davies Car Sales Ltd

01925917444 *

4.7/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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