BMW 1 Series (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 29,741 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1598cc14 years old29,741 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

82% of MOT tests on BMW 1 Seriess from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 29,741 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,892 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models308th of 650(top half)

Rank among BMW models1236th of 1,548(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+4%(78% avg)

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,892

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 BMW 1 Series had 97,892 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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%. The 2012 scores 82%. 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

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-6%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-4%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-10%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-7%

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About the 2012 BMW 1 Series

The 2012 BMW 1 Series is a premium car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 29,741 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 97,892 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 1 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 BMW 1 Series Fuel Costs

The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 BMW 1 Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2012 BMW 1 Series

At 14 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 29,741 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2012 BMW 1 Series Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 4,210 MOT tests on the 2012 BMW 1 Series that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics46%
Same age: 43%
Suspension37%
Same age: 39%
Tyres24%
Same age: 19% (fails on this more often)
Brakes18%
Same age: 22%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · BMW 1 Series reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 98k 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 2012 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(2012)	82%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£178

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 2012 BMW 1 Series

Is the 2012 BMW 1 Series reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2012 BMW 1 Seriess ended in a pass, from 29,741 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 BMW 1 Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 BMW 1 Series?

82% of 29,741 MOT tests on the 2012 BMW 1 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 308th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 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 2012 BMW 1 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 BMW 1 Series is 97,892 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.