Used BMW 1 Series for sale near Southampton
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Buying Advice
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: 38.1%
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 Variants
| Variant type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| 120 Sport 5dr Step Auto | £31,190 |
| 120 M Sport 5dr Step Auto | £33,190 |
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: 38.1%
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
| Vehicle | CarGurus Expert Rating | CarGurus User Rating | Good/Great deals % | Overall CarGurus Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series | 4/5 | 4.4/5 | 38.1% | 4.4/5 |
| Audi A3 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 | 39.6% | 4.4/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 41.0% | 4.3/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 37.3% | 4.5/5 |
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.
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