Used BMW 1 Series for sale near Waltham Abbey
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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: 39.3%
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: 39.3%
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 engaging rear-wheel-drive handling with genuine driving enjoyment. This second-generation model improved on its predecessor's cramped rear quarters, though rear legroom remains tight compared to mainstream rivals. The interior is classy and well-built with an intelligently laid-out design, whilst the 360-litre boot provides reasonable space for the class. A wide range of engines is available, from a fuel-sipping 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol to a potent 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder, allowing buyers to choose between economy and performance.
The 116d EfficientDynamics diesel achieves around 60mpg in real-world driving, whilst petrol options like the 116i and 118i deliver approximately 50mpg and 40mpg respectively. All engines feature timing chains, though some examples have experienced costly wear issues. Condition-based servicing means no fixed schedules, with independent BMW specialists offering more affordable maintenance than dealerships. The 1 Series combines aspirational badge appeal with responsive driving dynamics, making it an upmarket choice for those prioritising engagement over maximum practicality.
Best for: Drivers seeking premium badge appeal, engaging handling, and a classy interior; those who value driving enjoyment over maximum rear-seat space; buyers wanting efficient diesel or petrol engines.
Not ideal for: Families needing spacious rear accommodation; those concerned about potential timing chain issues; buyers prioritising maximum 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 | 39.3% | 4.4/5 |
| Audi A3 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 | 33.4% | 4.4/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 34.9% | 4.2/5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 4/5 | 4.7/5 | 34.3% | 4.5/5 |
The Verdict
You should buy the 1 Series if: You value engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, premium badge appeal, and a classy interior; you prioritise driving enjoyment over maximum rear-seat space; you want efficient engines with low running costs.
Consider alternatives if: You need spacious rear accommodation, are concerned about timing chain durability, 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 engaging driving dynamics. Whilst the Audi A3 offers superior user ratings and the Volkswagen Golf provides better overall practicality and value, the 1 Series delivers a more rewarding drive with genuine premium appeal. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class lags behind on expert ratings. For buyers willing to accept tighter rear quarters in exchange for responsive handling and aspirational badge cachet, the 1 Series remains a compelling choice, particularly with its efficient ED diesel option and well-appointed cabin.
Read our full BMW 1 Series Review
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.Read full review
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