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.

2,787 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£21,500

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Gateshead Toyota

01916070579 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamia Motors LTD

01179928466 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i 5dr [Nav] Step Auto

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

3L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SARACEN MOTOR GROUP

01268204676 *

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 2.0 120D M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ceir Seiont Cars LTD

01248663519 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 (13) - 120d Sport 3dr

£2,895

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Aim Car Sales

01382213724 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 118D SE 5DR Automatic

Reduced

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JSA Cars Ltd

01253201497 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,390

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£22,298

13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Grangemouth Hyundai

01324465374 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2011 (61) - 2.0 120d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,575

Finance available £58 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SCOTISH VAN CENTRE LTD

01312874277 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 116i Sport Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
117.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Zone

01753968048 *

BMW 1 Series2013 - 118i SE 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,745

2L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Eco Cars Motor Company (London)

01144372786 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£18,700

Finance available £395 pm

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW 1 Series2011 (11) - 2.0 118d M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,490

Finance available £78 pm

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Coupe

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£24,398

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wakefield Motorstore / Vanstore

01924664046 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 118d M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
117.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204939561 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£20,280

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW 1 Series2014 - 120d SE 5-Door

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
97.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Powells Motors MOT

01709288261 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d EfficientDynamics Plus 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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