BMW 1 SERIES (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 68 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
99%
Total Tests (2024)
68
Avg Mileage
34,205 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2020 BMW 1 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 17 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 4 years old, 99% of BMW 1 SERIESs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 68 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 34,205 miles.
How does the 2020 BMW 1 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 BMW 1 SERIES has 34,205 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2020 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 2020 BMW 1 SERIES
The 2020 BMW 1 SERIES is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 68 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 2020 cars for reliability.
With an average of 34,205 miles at 4 years old, BMW 1 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 BMW 1 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2020 BMW 1 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 99% 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 2020 BMW 1 SERIES
At 4 years old, the BMW 1 SERIES offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 68 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2020 BMW 1 SERIES
The BMW 1 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-7%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2018) 85% pass rate (-14%) from 86,266 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2018) 87% pass rate (-12%) from 78,522 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (-9%) from 67,605 tests