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.

2,708 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,399

1.6L
72.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,799

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,349

2L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 - M135I 5-Door

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

3L
118.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 116d SE 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Crawford Car Sales (NI) Ltd

02889440217 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
75.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McGillions

02881440369 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (73) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£27,300

Finance available £472 pm

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 118i Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,250

1.5L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 2.0 125i M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,595

Finance available £237 pm

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,300

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,994

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,669

Finance available £283 pm

1.5L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cambridge Motorworks Ltd

01763290962 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - M SPORT 116D 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

1.5L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Carlisle

01228273207 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 120i GPF Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,980

Finance available £268 pm

2L
44.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Autocars UK

01482296002 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,399

Finance available £381 pm

1.5L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Derby

01332419211 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,495

Finance available £565 pm

2L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto2000 Prestige Cars

02037808184 *

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] Sport Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro] 5-Door

£21,697

Finance available £444 pm

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 2.0 120i GPF M Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,940

2L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £424 pm

1.5L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 (69) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,460

2L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 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

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Used BMW 1 Series snapshot review

Pros