CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,600
Average Price: Around £14,000

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), known as the F20 generation, is a premium family hatchback that delivers an engaging driving experience with its unique rear-wheel-drive layout. Unlike its front-wheel-drive rivals, the 1 Series offers sharp, responsive steering and excellent handling balance without compromising comfort. The cabin is classy and well-built, with intelligent controls and a 360-litre boot providing reasonable practicality. However, rear legroom is tight, and access through narrow door apertures can be challenging, particularly when installing child seats.

A wide range of engines is available, from the efficient 116d ED diesel achieving around 60mpg to the responsive 116i petrol delivering approximately 50mpg in real-world driving. More powerful variants like the 118i and 120i offer around 40mpg whilst maintaining engaging performance. Running costs are competitive for a premium brand, especially when serviced by independent BMW specialists. Condition-based servicing means flexible service intervals, typically every 10,000 miles. The key to ownership is finding a well-maintained example with full service history to avoid potential timing chain issues that can prove costly.

Best for: Drivers seeking premium badge appeal with engaging handling, young families wanting a practical yet sporty hatchback, and buyers who value driving enjoyment over maximum interior space.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising rear passenger comfort or maximum boot space, buyers concerned about potential timing chain problems, or those seeking the most spacious family hatchback in the class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 1 Series if: You value engaging handling and premium badge appeal, seek a sporty yet practical family hatchback, or prioritise driving enjoyment over maximum interior space.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear legroom and boot space, are concerned about potential timing chain issues, or prefer the practicality of front-wheel-drive rivals like the VW Golf.

Competitive Position: The BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) stands out in the premium hatchback segment with its distinctive rear-wheel-drive handling and classy cabin. Whilst the Audi A3 offers slightly higher user ratings and the VW Golf provides superior practicality, the 1 Series delivers a more engaging driving experience and maintains strong value in the used market. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers comparable value but with lower expert ratings. For buyers prioritising driving dynamics and premium appeal over maximum space, the 1 Series remains a compelling choice, particularly when sourced with full service history to mitigate timing chain concerns.

Read our full BMW 1 Series Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.