BMW 1 SERIES (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 19,053 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
19,053
Avg Mileage
56,121 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2017 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 7 years old, 92% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 19,053 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,121 miles.
How does the 2017 BMW 1 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 BMW 1 SERIES has 56,121 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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 2017 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2017 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 2017 BMW 1 SERIES
The 2017 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 19,053 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2017 cars for reliability.
With an average of 56,121 miles at 7 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 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 2017 BMW 1 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 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 2017 BMW 1 SERIES
At 7 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 19,053 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2017 BMW 1 SERIES
The BMW 1 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 93,803 tests
- AUDI A3 (2015) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 80,797 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-11%) from 80,031 tests