BMW 1 Series (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 331 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1995cc22 years old331 tests128k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

72% of MOT tests on BMW 1 Seriess from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 331 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,703 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models264th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among BMW models1512th of 1,548(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-16%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,703

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 BMW 1 Series had 127,703 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 1 Series by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2006 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

same

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-3%

Honda Civic

2006 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

71%

-1%

Audi A3

2006 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

+1%

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About the 2004 BMW 1 Series

The 2004 BMW 1 Series is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 331 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 127,703 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 1 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 BMW 1 Series Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 BMW 1 Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 1 Series 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.

Buying a Used 2004 BMW 1 Series

At 22 years old, the BMW 1 Series is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 128k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 BMW 1 Series stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 1 Series(2004)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2006)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2006)	71%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A3(2006)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 BMW 1 Series

Is the 2004 BMW 1 Series reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2004 BMW 1 Seriess ended in a pass, from 331 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 BMW 1 Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 BMW 1 Series?

72% of 331 MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 1 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 264th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

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% and the 2004 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 BMW 1 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 1 Series is 127,703 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.