BMW 1 SERIES (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,810 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 17 years old, 79% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,810 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,355 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
113,355
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 BMW 1 SERIES has 113,355 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2009 sits between the two at 79%.
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
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About the 2009 BMW 1 SERIES
The 2009 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 3,810 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 113,355 miles at 17 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2009 BMW 1 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 1 SERIES Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 1 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 BMW 1 SERIES
At 17 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 99%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 BMW 1 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 113k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2009 BMW 1 SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 SERIES(2009) | 79% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011) | 78% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£262 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2011) | 81% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£280 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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