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.

2,665 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2010 - 3.0 135i M Sport Convertible 2dr Petrol DCT Euro 5 (306 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,802

3L
96.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - LED

£25,465

1.5L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,151

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Approved Used Melton Mowbray

01664490868 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,800

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 118d Exclusive Edition 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,795

2L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Wheels In Motion Sherborne

01935311739 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

100

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Peverel car company ltd

01245204345 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Kia/Abarth (Seafield)

01316036422 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£16,796

Finance available £353 pm

3L
88.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 118d SE 2dr

Reduced

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car Nation Bourne

01480597473 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 116i ES 5dr [122]

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ARVP Group LTD

02475103329 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,992

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£26,578

1.5L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,990

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,949

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01273121210 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£17,225

1.5L
38.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Birmingham Central

01217525801 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 125i [224] M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,590

Finance available £237 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,190

Finance available £604 pm

2L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 118d M Sport 3dr

£1,395

2L
177.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

£18,799

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
31.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

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

* 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