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.

2,625 Used BMW 1 Series cars for sale

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 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 Series2016 - 1.5 118i M Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,790

Finance available £196 pm

1.5L
52.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Stockton-on-Tees

01642937613 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (16) - 3.0 M135i Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

BMW 1 Series2015 (65) - 116d Sport 5dr DAMAGED SALVAGE CAT N

£2,750

1.5L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KSS Cars Ltd

01279212249 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i M Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,590

Finance available £80 pm

1.6L
101.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

BMW 1 Series2018 - 120d M Sport Shadow Ed 3dr Step Auto

£14,799

Finance available £308 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,000

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW 1 Series2017 - 125d M SPORT 5-Door

£10,749

Finance available £218 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Find-My-Car.co.uk

01174404908 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2022 (72) - 1.5 118i M Sport (LCP) DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,275

Finance available £437 pm

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2019 - 118I SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,795

Finance available £264 pm

1.5L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Performance Cars Wales Ltd

02920711980 *

5/5 Stars

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

£9,989

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Powerlease Ltd

01525305324 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2013 - 116d M Sport 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
124.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2024 - 118i [136] M Sport 5dr [Live Cockpit Professional]

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy MG

01592803930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 1 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 120d Sport Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
112.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eagle Cars and Commercials Limited

01452596518 *

BMW 1 Series2016 (66) - 1.5 116d Sport Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (116 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,475

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

BMW 1 Series2019 (19) - 120d M Sport 5dr [Nav/Servotronic] Step Auto

Reduced

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mark Payne Cars

01145537261 *

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

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
9.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Progress Motor Group

01536211991 *

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

£27,843

Finance available £551 pm

1.5L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Steven Eagell Toyota Northampton

01604973508 *

BMW 1 Series2013 (63) - 1.6 116i SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

London Car Market

02037637051 *

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