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.

2,630 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2012 (61) - 116i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,400

Finance available £98 pm

1.6L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW 1 Series2017 (67) - 1.5 118i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

BMW 1 Series2023 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP] Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,410

1.5L
6.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Burnley Kia

01282501810 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,350

Finance available £624 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 118d Sport 3dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£10,049

Finance available £196 pm

2L
54.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£24,600

Finance available £430 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 120d Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

2L
109.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (62) - 1.6 116i M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - M135i xDrive Step Auto [Pro Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,597

Finance available £527 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2025 - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£41,892

2L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (22) - 2.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (306 ps)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £459 pm

2L
13.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 116d M Sport Shadow Ed 5dr Step Auto

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 (66) - 2.0 118d Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

James Nutt Cars

01527368640 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 125d M Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (224 ps)

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
79.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hitchin Autohaus ltd

01462417961 *

BMW 1 Series2019 - 2.0 118d M Sport Shadow Edition Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,290

Finance available £319 pm

2L
46.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Winchmore Hill Car Sales

01992663996 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i SE Business Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£10,740

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2023 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£29,499

Finance available £624 pm

2L
17.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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 Series2010 (10) - 2.0 118d Sport Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£2,189

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW 1 Series2024 (24) - 2.0 128ti (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£27,500

Finance available £477 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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