How much does a 2010 BMW 1 SERIES cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 BMW 1 SERIES?

The 2010 BMW 1 SERIES has a 80% MOT pass rate based on 4,356 tests in 2026. This ranks 246 out of 575 cars from 2010.

Which year BMW 1 SERIES is most reliable?

The 2020 BMW 1 SERIES has the highest MOT pass rate at 99%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2010 BMW 1 SERIES?

The average mileage for a 2010 BMW 1 SERIES is 109,865 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 1 SERIES (2010)

Q: Is the 2010 BMW 1 SERIES reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 4,356 tests. That's 2 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,356 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1800cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1800cc16 years old4,356 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1800cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1800cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,047

Per month£171/mo

Per week£39/wk

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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 16 years old, 80% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,356 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,865 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2010 cars246th of 575(top 43%)

Rank among BMW models1344th of 1,564(top 86%)

vs national average-2%(82% avg)

vs 2010 cars average+5%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-8%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

109,865

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2010 BMW 1 SERIES has 109,865 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2010 sits between the two at 80%.

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

VAUXHALL CORSA

2012 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

76%

-4%

FORD FOCUS

2012 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

-2%

FORD FIESTA

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

72%

-8%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2012 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

70%

-10%

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About the 2010 BMW 1 SERIES

The 2010 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium with a 1800cc petrol engine. 4,356 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 109,865 miles at 16 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2010 BMW 1 SERIES Fuel Costs

The 1800cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2010 BMW 1 SERIES?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2010 BMW 1 SERIES

At 16 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 2010 BMW 1 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 16 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 110k 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.

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 2010 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(2010)	80%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2047
VAUXHALL CORSA(2012)	76%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£325
FORD FOCUS(2012)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£220
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£325
NISSAN QASHQAI(2012)	70%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£220

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.