Used BMW 1 Series for sale near Norwich
BMW 1 Series: CarGurus Buyer Insights
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,600
Average Price: Around £15,000
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, is an engaging and upmarket compact hatchback that delivers the responsive driving experience BMW is renowned for. Rear-wheel drive gives it a unique advantage in its class, with sharp steering and crisp handling that rivals can't match. The cabin feels classy and well-built with intelligent layout, though rear legroom is tighter than competitors like the Audi A3. Boot space is reasonable at 360 litres, and the range includes various trim levels, with the M Sport favoured for sporty styling, though its stiffer suspension may compromise ride comfort.
Running costs are competitive, with the 116d EfficientDynamics achieving around 60mpg and the 114i petrol around 55mpg in real-world driving. The 116d ED emits just 99g/km CO2, meaning zero annual tax. All engines feature timing chains, which theoretically last the car's lifetime, though some examples have experienced costly timing chain issues. Condition-based servicing means no fixed schedules, with services typically every 10,000 miles. BMW servicing costs slightly less than rivals, though no reduced-price scheme exists for older cars. Key to ownership is finding a regularly serviced example from professional garages to avoid potential timing chain problems.
Best for: Drivers seeking an upmarket, engaging hatchback with premium badge appeal, those prioritising responsive handling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and buyers wanting efficient diesel or petrol options.
Not ideal for: Families needing maximum rear legroom, those concerned about potential timing chain issues, or buyers seeking the most spacious compact hatchback in the class.
Comparison vs Key Rivals
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series | 4/5 | 4.2/5 | 38.4% | 4.4/5 |
| Audi A3 | 4/5 | 4.4/5 | 34.2% | 4.4/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 3/5 | 4.2/5 | 34.8% | 4.2/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 31.9% | 4.4/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the 1 Series if: You seek an upmarket, engaging hatchback with premium badge appeal, prioritise responsive handling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, or want efficient diesel or petrol options.
Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear legroom, are concerned about potential timing chain issues, or require the most spacious compact hatchback in the class.
Competitive Position: The BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) stands out in the premium compact hatchback segment with its unique rear-wheel-drive handling and classy cabin. Whilst the Audi A3 offers more space and the Volkswagen Golf provides excellent user ratings, the 1 Series delivers a more engaging and responsive driving experience. Its efficient engines, particularly the ED diesel, offer competitive running costs, and good-deal availability at 38.4% is strong. However, potential timing chain issues require careful inspection. For buyers prioritising driving dynamics and premium feel over maximum practicality, the 1 Series remains an excellent choice, though regular professional servicing is essential.
Read our full BMW 1 Series Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
4.3 Overall rating
(33 reviews)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.
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!!
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.
The car pricing is average to its competitors, with the driving experience, being comfortable and the car grips and moves really well, ride height and comfort is really good, it is a BMW after-all, plenty of storage space and functions available, the car price is spot on. I have all available packages on my variant 116D M Sport Pro, the only two extras i didnt have installed were the towbar and panoramic roof. The car features and used daily by myself are the HUD (heads up display) which is superb, and easy, to use, heated steering wheel and heated seats are easy and fast reacting, and just the right temperature. Electric memory seats work really well with forward/backward, upward/downward support along with back lumber support and leg support, all easily adjustable and has profile saving available. Cruise control and media function buttons on the steering wheel are really easy and simple to use, the response from the buttons in general is quick and shows no delay. The infotainment screen is as big as you could possibly need it, its responsive and has a circular dial scroll and multiple buttons to easily navigate, the menu is simple to use ,understand and get around. Theres buttons for simple and easy temperature control along with multiple auto control features. Door pocket storage is really good and two cup holders with wireless charging is really well manufactured with plenty of space. I dont know if its possible for a 1 series to have, but this car would benefit from heated mirrors and next lane control assistance. It has lane control which works really well and easily adjustable for whats in front of you. Automatic boot opening feature is really responsive and works great, multiple ways to use this feature whether its by key press, button by drivers seat, or swiping your foot under the rear bumper, with button for auto closing and you can set up how much to open the door for when in tight spaces. The car comes with some ambient lighting internally which works great and has different functions, easy to adjust, but would benefit with a full scale trim lighting rather than the current set up of half dash board and doors only.
Great characterful engine which is economical too! Handles well as a bonus.
BMW 1 Series FAQs
How much does the BMW 1 Series cost in Norwich?
The average BMW 1 Series costs about £14,832.96. The average price has decreased by -7.9% since last year. The 857 for sale near Norwich on CarGurus, range from £2,037 to £65,437 in price.
How many BMW 1 Series vehicles in Norwich have no reported accidents or damage?
855 out of 857 for sale near Norwich have no reported accidents or damage.
What fuel types are available?
Diesel, Petrol engines are available.
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