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.

2,843 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£26,375

Finance available £521 pm

2L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,249

Finance available £207 pm

2L
104.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perry Road Autos

01621734653 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,295

Finance available £396 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£21,483

Finance available £467 pm

2L
52.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Yaddlethorpe Motor Company

01724514597 *

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

£21,950

Finance available £430 pm

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,650

Finance available £394 pm

1.5L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 1.5 118i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
58.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,228

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2006 - 118d ES 5dr

£1,450

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashfield Autos Ltd

02890023077 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Grange Road Motors

02886273066 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£17,750

Finance available £344 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

gaston gate garage

01483917782 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118d M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

2L
77.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Hey Motors Ltd

01706572044 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 2.0 125d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

NYA AUTO SALES LTD

01215166160 *

BMW 1 Series2005 - 120i SE 5-Door

Reduced

£2,995

2L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £503 pm

2L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116i M Sport 3dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£7,650

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wise Auto Ltd

02038737355 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,750

2L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£21,408

2L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Grantham

01476851380 *

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