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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,800

Finance available £571 pm

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£24,491

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / AIR CON / PRIVACY ++

Reduced

£7,570

Finance available £147 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (4M) - 2.0 118d Sport Convertible 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,690

Finance available £60 pm

2L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,900

Finance available £676 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car Nation Ltd

01945664291 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 116 SE 1.5D 115PS 5 DOOR HATCHBACK (EURO 6)

£12,152

Finance available £249 pm

1.5L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£8,100

Finance available £159 pm

1.5L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,450

Finance available £233 pm

3L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SJ Approved Used Cars LTD

01455241696 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,750

1.5L
7.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d Sport Plus Edition Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

CB Autos UK Ltd

01793268067 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118i [1.5] M Sport Shadow Edition 3dr

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Cars

02892448214 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 120d M Sport 2dr

Reduced

£2,150

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 118d M Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JD Motors Ltd

01229260010 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£29,000

1.5L
2.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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

Low Mileage

£16,191

Finance available £319 pm

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 116d Sport 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

QMT Automotive Ltd

01905917499 *

BMW 1 Series2006 (56) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 4 5dr

£1,750

2L
151.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,550

Finance available £236 pm

1.5L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellahi Motors Limited

01256679122 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - BLUETOOT

Low Mileage

£14,513

Finance available £284 pm

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

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

* 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