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.

2,771 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

£27,495

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,199

2L
35.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (60) - 116i [2.0] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] M Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JC Motors

01822661671 *

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

£10,990

Finance available £214 pm

2L
91.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2020 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£21,888

Finance available £429 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Giraffe Cars

02890022204 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 116d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Reduced

£23,990

Finance available £503 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Vospers Ford Truro

01872301823 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£19,299

Finance available £376 pm

3L
64.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£25,098

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rosso Performance LTD

01133236280 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,499

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Monks Park Motors

02039577351 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 116d SE Business 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116D Sport Auto 3dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Roxburghe Group

01217288719 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps) - DRI

Low Mileage

£21,622

Finance available £433 pm

1.5L
14.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,275

Finance available £437 pm

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2005 (05) - 1.6 116I SPORT RACE/TRACK CAR PACKAGE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DT Performance Cars

01827211400 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,799

2L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - 2.0 116D SE Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,390

Finance available £143 pm

2L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sleaford Car Centre

01529401234 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

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