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.

2,870 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2018 (18) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,160

Finance available £182 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Teesside Car Finance

01642937529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - M140i Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bulgari Performance Ltd

01274087667 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,395

Finance available £143 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SR Cars

01736806431 *

BMW 1 Series2015 - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,800

Finance available £130 pm

1.5L
73.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
57.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 2.0 118d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
100.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Motors of Garstang Ltd

01995910772 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 116d Sport 5dr ++ 20 TAX / ULEZ / 72 MPG / DAB / BLUETOOTH ++

Low Mileage

£6,775

Finance available £129 pm

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW 1 Series2022 - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£25,499

Finance available £536 pm

2L
28.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW 1 Series2020 (70) - 2.0 M135i 5dr Auto xDrive

£23,000

Finance available £472 pm

2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 3dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.5L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

2L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2012 (12) - 1.6 116i Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,275

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01217285878 *

BMW 1 Series2020 - 1.5 118i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)

£12,663

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
75.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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 Series2021 - 2.0 118d M Sport (LCP) Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,238

Finance available £370 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 1.5 118i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
51.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£23,344

1.5L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Edgware

02038934224 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2006 - 2.0 120d SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,650

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (14) - 2.0 116d M Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
113.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (15) - 1.5 116d SE Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.5L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

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