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 Series2016 - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,949

Finance available £348 pm

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NS Auto Trading Ltd

02039577375 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,990

2L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - M140i Shadow Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

3L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (4O) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

3L
76.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 116d Sport 5dr Step Auto ++ SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / BLUETOOTH / SENSORS ++

Low Mileage

£7,975

Finance available £156 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 120d M Sport 3dr

Reduced

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (74) - 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,900

Finance available £594 pm

1.5L
2.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d ED Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£6,150

Finance available £115 pm

1.5L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 116d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

BMW 1 Series2025 (15)

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

CAZOON LTD

01162165624 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118I Sport 5dr

Reduced

£12,400

Finance available £255 pm

1.5L
81.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Focus Cars Sales

01284332092 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 3.0 M140i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£19,390

3L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dyson Cars Ltd

01992367345 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£12,000

1.5L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

BMW 1 Series2008 (08) - 2.0 120d M Sport Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 118i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Manor Cars High Wycombe Ltd

01494311371 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,807

2L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Epsom

01372231864 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.5L
95.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S & J Cars and Commercials

01353883787 *

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