BMW 1 Series years to avoid
No model year of the BMW 1 Series stands out with more than twice its typical number of complaints.
Best BMW 1 Series years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
BMW 1 Series complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common BMW 1 Series problems
All model years combined.
- Airbags39
- Electrical18
- Lights16
- Fuel system10
- Engine9
- Steering6
- Seats5
- Transmission4
- Acceleration4
- Visibility3
- Brakes3
- Body3
BMW 1 Series problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | - | 33 | Airbags | 24,974 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2010 | - | 8 | Airbags | 2 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2009 | - | 18 | Airbags | 44,000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2008 | - | 18 | Airbags | 82,000 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2007 | - | 6 | Electrical | 115,000 | 0 | 1 | Fewest complaints |
| 2006 | - | 5 | Steering | 0 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2005 | - | 3 | Airbags | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2004 | - | 3 | Airbags | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2003 | - | 1 | Airbags | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2002 | - | 1 | Lights | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2001 | - | 1 | Brakes | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2000 | - | 1 | Airbags | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 3
BMW 1 Series warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
Questions about the BMW 1 Series
What years of the BMW 1 Series should you avoid?
No single model year of the BMW 1 Series has more than twice its typical number of owner complaints.
What is the best year for a used BMW 1 Series?
2006, 2007 and 2010 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (5, 6 and 8).
What is the most common problem with the BMW 1 Series?
Airbags, with 39 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (18) and lights (16).
How many recalls does the BMW 1 Series have?
3 recalls between 2000 and 2011. The 2011 model year has the most, with 2.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used BMW 1 Series?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history