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.

2,872 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,997

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
72.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116d Efficientdynamics 5-Door

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Woodville Car Sales

01414049407 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Universe Limited

01708202780 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 125d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£7,990

2L
117.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,625

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
27.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,997

Finance available £450 pm

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,299

Finance available £185 pm

1.5L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,600

Finance available £259 pm

1.5L
70.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,675

Finance available £194 pm

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lucky Seven Motors

02034359499 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,600

1.5L
17.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,590

Finance available £568 pm

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Stockport

01614139889 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,999

Finance available £569 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - M135i M Performance 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,890

2L
4.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 20 TAX / ULEZ / 72 MPG / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£6,775

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£24,398

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £433 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 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