BMW 1 Series
Registered from 2003 to 2025.
About this model
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its fourth generation. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles.
From the Wikipedia article BMW 1 Series, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2013 2.0 diesel. 4,306 of 24,145 tests failed, 18%.
Better than 57% of 2013 cars. The typical one fails 19%, across 828 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 43% | 1,841 |
| Lights and electrics | 33% | 1,439 |
| Brakes | 27% | 1,167 |
| Suspension | 23% | 1,009 |
| Visibility | 15% | 646 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 4% | 183 |
The defects inspectors cite
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
- A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 43% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Brakes — 27% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Suspension — 23% of its failures
- A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
- Lights and electrics — 33% of its failures
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Visibility — 15% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 200k+ miles this one fails 25% of its inspections, against the 24% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–20k miles | 13% | 8% | 76 | |
| 20–40k miles | 9% | 12% | 604 | |
| 40–60k miles | 14% | 16% | 2,483 | |
| 60–80k miles | 17% | 20% | 5,579 | |
| 80–100k miles | 18% | 22% | 6,659 | |
| 100–120k miles | 20% | 24% | 4,742 | |
| 120–140k miles | 20% | 24% | 2,391 | |
| 140–160k miles | 22% | 24% | 1,077 | |
| 160–180k miles | 17% | 24% | 335 | |
| 180–200k miles | 23% | 24% | 132 | |
| 200k+ miles | 25% | 24% | 55 |
24,133 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 80k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.5 petrol · 134 hp · 1388 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 5.8 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 1.5 petrol · 134 hp · 1386 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 5.8 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 1.5 petrol · 138 hp · 1384 kg · 2670 mm wheelbase · 5.9 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 1.5 petrol · 135 hp · 1386 kg · 2684 mm wheelbase · 6.8 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 1.5 petrol · 121 hp · 1386 kg · 2690 mm wheelbase · 7.0 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 1.5 petrol · 121 hp · 1384 kg · 2690 mm wheelbase · 5.1 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 1.5 diesel · 114 hp · 1395 kg · 2690 mm wheelbase · 3.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 2.0 diesel · 218 hp · 1494 kg · 2690 mm wheelbase · 4.6 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 2.0 diesel · 214 hp · 1481 kg · 2690 mm wheelbase · 4.8 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2013 | 2.0 diesel · 148 hp · 1429 kg · 2683 mm wheelbase · 4.5 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 2.0 diesel · 163 hp · 1455 kg · 2674 mm wheelbase · 4.8 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 2.0 diesel · 162 hp · 1456 kg · 2664 mm wheelbase · 4.9 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00637/24
The driver's airbag inflator propellant may deteriorate over time. If activated during an accident, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to burst, and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00783/23
The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00868/23
The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00996/24
The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01785/21
The screws which were used to assemble seatbelts and also on the rear seats of the vehicles concerned may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. In some cases, the screws in question cannot withstand extreme loads, which could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/0202/17
The universal joint of the drive shaft might break, causing a sudden loss of propulsion.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/02573/24
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/02830/24
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
11 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.