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 Series2025 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto Petrol Hatchback

£37,016

2L
5.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

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

£15,898

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Corus Automotives

01777800508 *

0/5 Stars

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

£23,970

Finance available £513 pm

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,524

Finance available £389 pm

1.5L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 118d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,977

Finance available £201 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Liverpool Car Centre

01515417928 *

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

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

2L
90.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kirkham Part Ex Centre

01772348362 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] SE 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

Low Mileage

£19,699

Finance available £409 pm

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 116d Sport 3-Door

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.5L
89.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NexCar

01792345012 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic]

Reduced

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118I SPORT NAV AUTO 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116D M Sport Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Quay

01283244020 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Efficientdynamics 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

120.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barton Car Company

01395200673 *

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

£25,298

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 116i M Sport 3dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Julian Motor Sales

01993463580 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,100

Finance available £399 pm

1.5L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2016 - 118i M Sport 5-Door

£7,996

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
79.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Station Ltd

01992367374 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,900

Finance available £177 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,190

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
30.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 Series2023 (23) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£18,290

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMTIED

01279212123 *

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