Used BMW 1 Series 2011-2019 reliability
Category: Family car
The second-generation BMW 1 Series is a great family hatchback. It’s has a premium interior, good driving manners and a solid reliability record.
What should I look for in a used BMW 1 Series hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
Check the exterior for dents, scratches and scuff marks to the bumpers and bodywork because that can be expensive to fix. Make sure the alloy wheels aren’t heavily kerbed, too.
Push every button in the interior to make sure all the electrics work correctly. Also, inspect the seat fabric for any wear to the driver’s side seat bolster because these cars have been known to rack up huge mileages.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW 1 Series hatchback?
At the time of writing, the BMW 1 Series has 17 recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local BMW dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification, it is possible the power steering assistance may fail. If this happens, the power steering warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained, albeit with additional driver input.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the steering box.
Number of affected vehicles: 701
Date of recall: 30/07/2012
Reason for recall
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat, which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However, it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by a flickering of the instrument cluster or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not, then the engine could cut-out without warning.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Number of affected vehicles: 36
Date of recall: 04/04/2013
Reason for recall
It is possible that over a period of time, the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions, complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.
Number of affected vehicles: 4
Date of recall: 05/07/2013
Reason for recall
The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data, the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; on vehicles with N51/N52 engines, this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine. It will display immediately.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit.
Number of affected vehicles: 2967
Date of recall: 28/07/2014
Reason for recall
The in-tank fuel pump may contain sub-components that have not been correctly nickel plated. This may cause excessive friction leading to the fuel pump being inoperative. The driver may experience a no-start condition or, in the worst case, an engine stall. A warning lamp and error message will display. Steering and brakes will still function.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the in-tank fuel pump with a modified version.
Number of affected vehicles: 1646
Date of recall: 08/06/2015
Reason for recall
The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result, the power steering support may fail, possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally, in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
Number of affected vehicles: 41
Date of recall: 21/12/2016
Reason for recall
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat, which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However, it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not, then the engine could cut-out without warning.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Number of affected vehicles: 36,410
Date of recall: 10/04/2017
Reason for recall
Due to insufficient strength, the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the universal joint with a modified version.
Number of affected vehicles: 10,849
Date of recall: 11/04/2017
Reason for recall
The latching element of the Easy Entry Kit on the driver's seat does not lock correctly into the lower swinging arm. As a result, the backrest could fold under heavy load such as in a collision or unsecured load in the rear and harsh braking.
How the manufacturer will repair: The vehicle that is likely to be affected will be recalled and a new seat mechanism fitted.
Number of affected vehicles: 1
Date of recall: 05/02/2018
Reason for recall
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However, if the electrical connection is completely lost, this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles, carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Number of affected vehicles: 311,848
Date of recall: 07/06/2018
Reason for recall
The EGR cooler may leak, presenting a fire risk.
How the manufacturer will repair: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
Number of affected vehicles: 153,602
Date of recall: 05/11/2018
Reason for recall
The EGR cooler may leak, presenting a fire risk
How the manufacturer will repair: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
Number of affected vehicles: 225,449
Date of recall: 07/12/2018
Reason for recall
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time
How the manufacturer will repair: The EGR cooler will be inspected on the affected vehicles and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
Number of affected vehicles: 71,128
Date of recall: 17/08/2020
Reason for recall
Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
How the manufacturer will repair: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
Number of affected vehicles: 63,888
Date of recall: 09/02/2021
Reason for recall
The blower-regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands.
How the manufacturer will repair: The blower regulator wiring harness will be inspected and a new part will be installed. Additional components will be replaced if necessary.
Number of affected vehicles: 181,011
Date of recall: 15/03/2021
Reason for recall
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
How the manufacturer will repair:The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
Number of affected vehicles: 322,745
Date of recall: 22/08/2022
Reason for recall
Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s, which if deployed, may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released. This may cause serious injury, which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
How the manufacturer will repair: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 369
Date of recall: 18/12/2025
Is a used BMW 1 Series hatchback reliable?
The 2011-2019 1 Series didn't get enough responses to feature in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, but it has done very well in recent years. In our 2024 survey, it finished third out of 26 family cars with a score of 98.6%, which is very strong result, while in 2023, it ranked first out of 37 cars in the class. It was one of only two cars in the whole survey to achieve a perfect 100% result.
As a brand, BMW finished in sixth place out of 30 manufacturers in the car brand reliability section. That's another brilliant result, finishing above Audi, Ford, Skoda and Volkswagen, but below Honda and Toyota.
Used BMW 1 Series reliability: the owners' view
In our latest reliability survey, owners said the 2011-2019 1 Series is a remarkably dependable used car. Many owners reported zero faults over a 24-month period, with the model frequently topping its class for reliability.
However, it isn't entirely without issues. The most significant concern involves the timing chain on early N47 diesel and N13 petrol engines, which can be costly to fix if a rattle is ignored. Other reported faults include electrical gremlins, such as failing ignition coils and "drivetrain warning" lights. Some owners also noted knocking noises from the suspension or steering rack.
Dealer service receives a mixed reception. While BMW’s condition-based servicing is praised for its convenience, some owners find official franchised workshops expensive for older cars. To maintain the car’s excellent reliability record, owners recommend seeking out examples with a full service history and ensuring all EGR-related recalls have been completed.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
To take part in our annual reliability survey with your car, please follow the link here
