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 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,890

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 1.6 114i Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,450

Finance available £77 pm

1.6L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

R-M Motors

01283241527 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kelvin Way Motors

01217288894 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
72.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d SE Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 1.6 116i SE 3 door

Low Mileage

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Taylors Autos

01522467385 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,595

2L
12.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,399

Finance available £464 pm

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,799

Finance available £375 pm

1.5L
42.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118d M Sport 2dr CONVERTIBLE

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

C A C Cars

01480597477 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Select Cars Southwest

01404511315 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 116D SE 5-Door

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,480

1.5L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,500

2L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

£19,495

1.5L
38.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Direct Bridgend

01656339498 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,200

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Napier Motor Company

01403331236 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
100.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

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

£14,583

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
43.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,100

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

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