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.

2,754 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 116d SE Business Hatchback 5dr

£9,699

1.5L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilwinning Autoplex

01294440522 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - 120d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Live Cockpit Pro]

£23,399

Finance available £490 pm

2L
24.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,395

2L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Direct Bridgend

01656339498 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d ED Plus 5-Door

Reduced

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,986

Finance available £193 pm

1.5L
82.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW 1 Series2018 (68) - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,499

1.5L
60.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 - 2.0 118d Sport Plus Edition Coupe 2-Door

£2,500

2L
125.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Fine Motors Ltd

01162165628 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
72.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (64) - 2.0 116d Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
115.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor People

01613887786 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 (73) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,500

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 128ti Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,490

Finance available £492 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

BMW 1 Series2010 (10) - 120d M Sport 2dr

£2,995

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Cars For Sale

01843269549 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (69) - 1.5 116d M Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,770

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

£23,500

Finance available £410 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,822

Finance available £219 pm

3L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 118i [1.5] Sport 5dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
35.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chippenham Motor Company

01249472986 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - M135i xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,000

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.5L
46.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hadnall Motors

01743292127 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - 1.5 116d SE (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,545

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2009 (09) - 2.0 118i SE Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,000

Finance available £45 pm

2L
81.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Martyns Car Sales

01932687838 *

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