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.

2,597 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2021 - 128ti 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,006

2L
9.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 3.0 M135i Auto 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£42,900

Finance available £861 pm

2L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 118D M Sport 3dr

£5,210

Finance available £94 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
65.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TF CAR CENTRE LIMITED

01257448845 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 118d M Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Enterprise 2023 LTD

01613887772 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr Step AUTO DIESEL 79000 MILES

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 120i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,894

Finance available £199 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 3dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Green Autos

01924667351 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,849

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,895

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

3L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Horizon Performance Cars

01273442339 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,786

Finance available £345 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 SE Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rainham Motors LTD

01708205565 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,475

Finance available £441 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oasis Cars Ltd

01474556253 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 120d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,450

Finance available £400 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (20) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,700

Finance available £426 pm

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£15,500

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Euro Motor Company Limited

01709212019 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps) - LANE DEPA

Low Mileage

£25,960

Finance available £524 pm

2L
11.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118d SE 5dr [Nav]

£8,970

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 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