BMW 1 Series

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 181,456 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests

181,456

Highest Pass Rate

2018 (92%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series was MOT tested 181,456 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2004 to 2024), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 27,965 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 20 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 1 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 127,703 miles, while the newest (2024) averages 56,153 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2024 details

How reliable is the BMW 1 Series?

vs average of all models+3% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-3% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread20 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 1 Series by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2024	100%	30	56,153 mi
2020	99%	68	34,205 mi
2019	91%	32,819	41,619 mi
2018	92%	27,965	50,440 mi
2017	92%	19,053	56,121 mi
2016	92%	7,706	60,320 mi
2015	92%	4,010	67,427 mi
2014	90%	5,135	76,509 mi
2013	84%	34,105	93,913 mi
2012	82%	29,741	97,892 mi
2011	82%	5,252	97,748 mi
2010	80%	4,356	109,865 mi
2009	79%	3,810	113,355 mi
2008	80%	2,841	117,331 mi
2007	78%	1,973	120,685 mi
2006	77%	1,195	136,390 mi
2005	73%	1,066	137,675 mi
2004	72%	331	127,703 mi

Questions about the BMW 1 Series

Is the BMW 1 Series reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2004 to 2024), the BMW 1 Series averages an 85% MOT pass rate, from 181,456 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2018 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year BMW 1 Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 BMW 1 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%, a 20 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.