BMW 1 SERIES (2011-15) 116I 5DR HATCHBACK 1.6 SS 136 EU5 SPORT BUSINESS MEDIA AUTO8
The BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116i 5DR Hatchback is a well-regarded compact car that sits comfortably in the UK's hatchback market. Known for its sleek design, sporty handling, and premium feel, this model is a popular choice for city drivers, commuters, and anyone looking for a versatile vehicle that combines style with practicality. Its 1.6-litre petrol engine offers a smooth driving experience with decent fuel economy, making it a sensible option for daily use. The vehicle's reputation for reliable performance, combined with its compact size, makes it particularly attractive to first-time drivers, young professionals, and small families seeking a stylish yet economical car.
What makes the BMW 1 Series 116i stand out is its combination of sporty handling and comfort, along with its advanced features like business media and automatic transmission on this particular model. With an average recorded mileage of around 76,937 miles and a typical value of approximately £5,792 in private sales, it continues to offer good value for drivers looking for a quality used vehicle. Compared to rivals in its class, the BMW 1 Series is renowned for its premium build, engaging drive, and overall reliability—making it a compelling choice for those wanting a dependable hatchback that blends German engineering with practicality and style.
average use
The recent mileage data for the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116I hatchback indicates that most vehicles are typically driven between 70,000 and 120,000 miles, with significant proportions falling into the 70,000–80,000 mile range (17%) and the 80,000–90,000 mile range (12.8%). Notably, a smaller percentage of vehicles have very low mileage, with only 0.5% under 10,000 miles, and relatively few exceeding 140,000 miles. This suggests that these cars are often used regularly but not extensively beyond 100,000 miles. The distribution highlights a common mileage window where most of these cars are likely to be found, offering useful reference points for buyers assessing typical usage.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116i 5DR Hatchback primarily cluster in the £4,000 to £5,000 range, accounting for 46.3% of valuations. A significant portion, 19.7%, are estimated between £5,000 and £6,000, indicating that most vehicles are valued in the mid-range with a large concentration around the lower to mid-£5,000s. Meanwhile, a smaller proportion, about 21.3%, fall into the £3,000 to £4,000 bracket. Valuations above £6,000 are relatively uncommon, comprising less than 8%, suggesting that high-end private sale prices are less typical for this model in the observed sample. Overall, the data highlights a strong tendency for these vehicles to be valued in the £4,000 to £6,000 range in the private sale market.
production years
The majority of the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116I models in our sample were manufactured in 2012, accounting for 64.4% of the vehicles. Vehicles from 2013 and 2014 make up smaller proportions, at 13.3% and 11.2% respectively. The earliest models from 2011 are quite rare, representing only 9%, while the newest models from 2015 constitute just 2.1%. This distribution suggests that most vehicles in this batch are around 2-4 years old, with the highest concentration of vehicles manufactured in 2012.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116I 5-door hatchbacks, white is the most common main paint colour, accounting for nearly 30% of the vehicles. Black and grey are also popular choices, representing approximately 23% and 17%, respectively. Silver, red, and blue occupy moderate shares, while orange and bronze are quite rare, each comprising just about 1%. Overall, neutral colours like white, black, and grey dominate the palette, reflecting typical preferences for understated and versatile vehicle finishes.
ownership cycle
The data for the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 116I 5DR Hatchback shows that most vehicles have multiple registered keepers, with 21.8% having four and 16% having five keepers. Notably, a significant portion of the vehicles, 15.4%, have only three keepers, indicating that many are relatively well-maintained and possibly reflect a typical ownership cycle. Conversely, a smaller percentage (about 0.5%) have just a single keeper, suggesting some are owned privately since new. The distribution is quite varied, with the majority of vehicles falling within the 3 to 5 keeper range, which could suggest a standard pattern of ownership transfer over the years.
engine choices
The data indicates that all BMW 1 Series 116I models from 2011-2015 are predominantly equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, with 83% having an engine capacity of 1598cc and the remaining 17% at exactly 1600cc. Notably, every vehicle in this sample uses petrol as its primary fuel type, highlighting a consistent fuel preference across this model range. This suggests that the majority of these vehicles feature a close-to-1.6L petrol engine, with little variation in fuel type.
