BMW 1 SERIES (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 34,105 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2979cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2979cc
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
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 13 years old, 84% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 34,105 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,913 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
93,913
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 BMW 1 SERIES has 93,913 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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 2013 sits between the two at 84%.
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 2013 BMW 1 SERIES
The 2013 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 34,105 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 93,913 miles at 13 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2013 BMW 1 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2013 BMW 1 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 2013 BMW 1 SERIES
At 13 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%. With 34,105 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 BMW 1 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 13 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 94k 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 2013 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(2013) | 84% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2014) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| AUDI TT(2011) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£180 |
| MAZDA CX-5(2014) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£180 |
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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