BMW 1 SERIES (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,706 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
7,706
Avg Mileage
60,320 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2016 BMW 1 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 8 years old, 92% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,706 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,320 miles.
How does the 2016 BMW 1 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 BMW 1 SERIES has 60,320 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 1 SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2016 BMW 1 SERIES cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BMW 1 SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 BMW 1 SERIES
The 2016 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 7,706 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 60,320 miles at 8 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 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 2016 BMW 1 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2016 BMW 1 SERIES
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. With 7,706 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 BMW 1 SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2014) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 63,059 tests
- BMW 5 SERIES (2018) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 40,272 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2018) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 34,257 tests
- AUDI TT (2016) 92% pass rate (same) from 20,366 tests