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.

2,603 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - Se 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,499

1.5L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Right Car Beverley

01482697813 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118d Sport 5dr [Nav]

Reduced

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McFadden Motors

02879440897 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£13,190

Finance available £272 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 1.5 116d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
58.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,499

Finance available £442 pm

3L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TDC Collection LTD

02038928005 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 3.0 M140i Shadow Edition 5-door

Reduced

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

3L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Key Auto Trade

01233223707 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2018 - 118D SPORT 5DR [NAV/SERVOTRONIC] STEP AUTO

Low Mileage

£13,218

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Brayley Nissan Oldham

01616720327 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 116d SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,980

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NT Traders Limited

02037639054 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

Finance available £320 pm

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£20,700

Finance available £360 pm

1.5L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£11,895

Finance available £243 pm

1.5L
83.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ace Car Sales Bury

01618042294 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 118i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,300

Finance available £141 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SAID MOTORS Limited

02039577471 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Right Hand Motor Ltd

01992660275 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 118i (1.5) M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,990

1.5L
71.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

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

£25,498

1.5L
13.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 116i M Sport 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ayan Autos Uk Ltd

02037587498 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 118i SE 5dr Step Auto

£16,149

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01733309722 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 120d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

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