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.

2,659 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - M135i AUTO 5 DOOR UMOLESTED

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

3L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Autos Ltd

01628561148 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,299

Finance available £554 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stockport Car Supermarket

01612416384 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

3L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB / BLUETOOTH / CAMERA ++

Low Mileage

£11,375

Finance available £232 pm

1.5L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 135i M Sport 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Junction 5 Car Sales

01494977888 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
65.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Toccar

01652247128 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£19,750

1.5L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PMA CARS

02890026896 *

BMW 1 Series(73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,700

13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 1.6 116i Sport 5-door

Low Mileage

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SJ Poulton Car Sales

01279967338 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 2.0 118d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Steptronic Euro 5 (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,249

2L
92.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 1.5 118i SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - PARK

£17,706

Finance available £351 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW 1 Series2021 - 2.0 M135i xDrive Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£24,000

2L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118d Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

2L
153.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctions Ltd

01753313549 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 118i Sport 5dr ++ SAT NAV / DAB / BLUETOOTH / ULEZ / CLIMATE ++

Low Mileage

£7,275

Finance available £140 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - BMW 118i 1.5 M Sport 5dr

£17,909

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Gloucester

01452227254 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,290

Finance available £118 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP]

£25,898

1.5L
16.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

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