Used BMW 1 Series for sale near East of England
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BMW 1 Series: The CarGurus Rating
Shop for BMW 1 Series »CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: More than 2,500
Average Price: £14,000
FAQs
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4.4 Overall rating
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Anonymous
Reviewed a 2016 BMW 1 Series on 21 Jan 2026
Looks good and works well in general. The scoring is inconsistent and the sort order is not always correct with cars outside of the filter sometimes returned.
Leanne H
Reviewed a 2017 BMW 1 Series on 14 Aug 2023
Love my 1 series sport. Fairly nippy and a lovely smooth drive. Rear parking sensors are a god send. Good on diesel, especially on long motorway journeys. Only thing missing is heated front seats. I know you can get them in some models but would be nice to have as standard when your paying top dollar. Otherwise would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice smooth drive with good MPG.
RICHARD G
Reviewed a 2010 BMW 1 Series on 22 Dec 2022
Excellent features and great condition, everything was like new, previous owners have taken great care both, inside and out. I have looked at several other 1 series and this one knocks them out of the water. The car is just missing the weather!!
David T
Reviewed a 2011 BMW 1 Series on 14 Jun 2021
great car, quite responsive engine a diesel with this horse power. Good feel from steering. Good handling, goes just were you want it as quick as you want . solid well built car with its own style.
BMW 1 Series price trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of BMW 1 Series prices has changed over time.
See more price trendsBMW 1 Series: CarGurus Buyer Insights
overall
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,600
Average Price: Around £14,400
BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic rear-wheel-drive handling balance | Not very roomy in the back |
| Classy and well-built cabin | Timing chain wear can lead to a big bill |
| The ED diesel is very efficient | Three-door models are less practical and harder to sell |
Quick Summary
The BMW 1 Series (2011-2019), the second-generation model, is a premium family hatchback that delivers an engaging driving experience with its unique rear-wheel-drive layout. It offers the prestige of the BMW badge alongside practical features including a 360-litre boot and well-appointed interior. Whilst the rear quarters are tight and access is restricted through narrow door apertures, the front seating is spacious and the cabin feels classy with intelligent controls and high-quality materials. The low driving position is sporty, though it can make judging the car's nose more difficult than in some rivals.
The 1 Series boasts a wide range of engines, from an economical 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol producing 107bhp to a potent 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder with 335bhp, alongside efficient diesel options. The 116d ED diesel achieves around 60mpg in real-world driving, whilst petrol variants like the 116i manage approximately 50mpg. Running costs are reasonable, with condition-based servicing and timing chains that theoretically last the car's lifetime, though some engines have experienced timing chain issues. As a used car, the 1 Series represents an upmarket choice for those prioritising driving enjoyment and aspirational appeal over maximum space.
Best for: Drivers seeking premium badge appeal, engaging handling, and a more responsive driving experience; buyers who value classy interiors and efficient engines; those willing to pay more for driving enjoyment.
Not ideal for: Families needing maximum rear-seat space or easy child-seat access; buyers concerned about potential timing chain problems; those prioritising practicality over driving dynamics.
Comparison vs Key Rivals
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series | 4/5 | 4.4/5 | 38.7% | 4.4/5 |
| Audi A3 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 | 34.2% | 4.4/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 35.0% | 4.2/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 32.3% | 4.4/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the 1 Series if: You prioritise engaging handling and premium badge appeal, seek a classy and well-built cabin, or value efficient engines and responsive driving over maximum practicality.
Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space, require easy child-seat access, are concerned about timing chain issues, or prioritise practicality over driving dynamics.
Competitive Position: The BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) stands out in the premium hatchback segment for its unique rear-wheel-drive handling and aspirational appeal. Whilst the Audi A3 offers superior user ratings and the Volkswagen Golf provides better practicality, the 1 Series delivers a more engaging and responsive driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class lags slightly in expert ratings. The 1 Series is ideal for buyers willing to accept tighter rear quarters in exchange for premium feel, efficient engines, and genuinely entertaining driving dynamics. Key to ownership is selecting a well-serviced example to avoid timing chain complications.
Read our full BMW 1 Series Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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