BMW 1 SERIES (2011-15) 120D 5DR HATCHBACK 2.0 BLUEPERFORMANCE DPF SS 184 EU6 SPORT BUSINESS MEDIA 6SPD
The BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D 5DR Hatchback is a popular choice among drivers seeking a practical yet enjoyable small car in the UK market. As a hatchback, it offers a compact design ideal for city driving and everyday commuting, making it especially suitable for young professionals, small families, or those looking for an agile vehicle with a premium feel. The 120D variant features a 2.0-litre BluePerformance diesel engine, renowned for its efficiency and low emissions, fitting perfectly into the EU6 category for environmentally conscious drivers.
What sets the BMW 1 Series 120D apart is its dynamic driving experience combined with stylish design and quality interior features, including BMW's BUSINESS MEDIA system. Its reputation for reliability and sporty handling makes it a competitive choice against rivals in the compact hatchback class. Typically used for daily commuting, errands, or even longer drives, this model balances fuel economy with performance, appealing to those who value a fun-to-drive vehicle that doesn’t compromise on practicality. With an average recorded mileage of just under 97,000 miles and typically having around three previous owners, the BMW 1 Series 120D offers a well-rounded option for used car buyers searching for a versatile, well-built vehicle that’s known for its quality and enjoyable driving experience.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recent mileage reading for these BMW 1 Series vehicles is between 90,000 and 100,000 miles, accounting for 13.9% of the sample. Notably, a significant proportion—over 13.9%—also have recorded mileages between 80,000 and 90,000 miles, and between 100,000 and 110,000 miles, each representing a sizable segment of the fleet. There is a relatively low frequency of very low-mileage vehicles (0–10,000 miles) at just 0.9%, and similarly, few vehicles with extremely high mileage (above 180,000 miles), with the highest being 170,000 to 180,000 miles at 0.9%. This suggests that most of these BMW 1 Series cars tend to be driven within the mid to high mileage ranges, consistent with vehicles that are several years old and have been used regularly, but very few are either almost new or heavily worn.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for this specific BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D model show a relatively concentrated distribution. The most common private sale price range is between £7,000 and £8,000, accounting for 25.5% of observed valuations, closely followed by the £6,000 to £7,000 range at 25.1%. Notably, a significant portion of the vehicles (approximately 21.6%) are valued between £5,000 and £6,000. Conversely, very few vehicles are valued below £4,000, with only 1.7% combined between the two lower brackets (£2,000–£3,000 and £3,000–£4,000). The data suggests that most private sales of this model cluster around £6,000–£8,000, with high-value sales over £9,000 being relatively rare.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D models in our sample were manufactured between 2012 and 2013, accounting for approximately 75.7% of the fleet (50.2% in 2012 and 25.5% in 2013). A smaller proportion, about 19.9%, were made in 2014, while only a modest 4.3% are from 2015. This suggests that most vehicles of this model year are from the earlier part of the production period, which may be relevant when considering vehicle age, potential wear and tear, or market value.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among the BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D hatchbacks, Black is the most common main paint colour, accounting for 27.7% of vehicles. White and Red are also popular, representing 22.1% and 15.2% respectively. Notably, vibrant colours like Orange are quite rare, comprising just 1.7% of the vehicles. Overall, the colour distribution suggests a preference for classic, neutral shades, with darker hues like Black and Silver also being quite prevalent.
ownership cycle
The data reveals that the majority of BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D hatchbacks have been registered with multiple keepers, indicating frequent vehicle transfers. Specifically, 29% have had three registered keepers, and a combined 26% have had four, five, or six keepers. Smaller percentages have only one or two registered keepers (around 1.7% and 14.7%, respectively), suggesting a mix of vehicles that are either owner-operated for extended periods or changed hands relatively quickly. Notably, vehicles with more than six keepers are quite rare, comprising less than 3% of the sample, which could imply that vehicles with high turnover tend to be sold after shorter periods. Overall, the data suggests a relatively high rate of ownership change for these vehicles.
engine choices
The data indicates that nearly all BMW 1 Series (2011-15) 120D models primarily use a 2.0-litre (1995cc) diesel engine, which accounts for approximately 99.1% of vehicles. A very small proportion, around 0.4%, feature a 1.6-litre (1598cc) engine, with an equally minor share having a 2.0-litre (2000cc) engine. In terms of fuel type, an overwhelming majority (99.6%) are diesel-powered, with only a negligible 0.4% running on petrol. This suggests that the 120D variant predominantly comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, emphasizing its reputation as a diesel-focused model within this range.
