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.

2,727 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 1.5 118i GPF M Sport Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£15,495

1.5L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,895

Finance available £556 pm

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 (74) - M135 xDrive 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,490

2L
3.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 1 Series(62) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SOUTH HAMS AUTOS LTD

01364700699 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 3.0 M140i GPF Shadow Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps

Low Mileage

£20,045

3L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 3.0 M140i 5-door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Goldheart Automotive

01483910967 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 120d Exclusive Edition 2dr - super clean - see video

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Coupe

Roston Park Motors

02476017022 *

BMW 1 Series2010 - 120i SPORT 2-Door

Reduced

£4,390

Finance available £76 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£13,029

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
36.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2021 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr Step Auto [LCP-Tech pk]

Low Mileage

£23,049

Finance available £483 pm

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

BMW 1 Series2014 (63) - 116i PETROL AUTO M SPORTS SUNROOF GRADE 4.5/B ULEZ EXEMPT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (21) - M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2017 - 116d Sport 5dr [Nav]

£3,975

Finance available £66 pm

1.5L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hanli Motors Ltd

01143089071 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (71) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,799

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 2.0 120i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

BMW 1 Series2021 (70) - 2.0 M135i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,275

Finance available £499 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,900

Finance available £288 pm

3L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.6 120i Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (177 ps)

£7,495

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Walmersleys Trade Centre

01614139856 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£22,350

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Dagenham

02038924678 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

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