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.

2,640 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2007 (57) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.6L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AAR Cars Hub Ltd

02039377595 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£8,995

Finance available £175 pm

1.5L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 128ti 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,805

2L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DB Luxury Cars Ltd

01803225601 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps) Service Histo

£15,444

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
59.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,749

Finance available £84 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car 4 You Limited

01215160924 *

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

Low Mileage

£39,000

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£39,898

2L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yaddlethorpe Motor Company

01724514597 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,900

Finance available £346 pm

2L
24.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Reduced

£9,980

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NT Traders Limited

02037639054 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i M Sport 5dr

£16,420

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 116d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,900

Finance available £154 pm

2L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Selection LTD

01285701754 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One Class Auto Ltd

02038730354 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,578

Finance available £147 pm

1.5L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CG MOTORLAND LIMITED

01162165595 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Heathrow Car Centre

01895542968 *

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

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.5L
90.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,750

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118D SPORT 5d 141 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.4/5 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