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.

2,730 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 120d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (s/s) (320 ps)

Reduced

£10,949

Finance available £222 pm

3L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 120i M SPORT SHADOW EDITION 5-Door

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMRM Cars Ltd

01992666288 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,991

Finance available £223 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO RANGE TRADE CENTRE LTD

01443801307 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

2L
101.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d M Sport 3dr Step Auto RED LEATHER / SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 116i [2.0] Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,950

2L
78.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Four Crosses Garage

01743292166 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (62) - 120i 5dr + IMPORT + 34K + PETROL + CLEAN CAR

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mexus

02037639082 *

1.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 118d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£5,800

Finance available £107 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,499

Finance available £421 pm

3L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 120i Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 120d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,000

2L
100.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 118i M Sport 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,980

1.5L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 118d SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lighthouse Motors

01513177158 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fab Trade Cars

01584700196 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£42,890

2L
5.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.5L
75.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mike Wells Cars Ltd

01933421770 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (Z3) - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

2L
53.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Evolve Motor Company

01633741704 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 120d xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition 5door

Reduced

£12,995

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCR Specialist Cars

01453701527 *

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