Used BMW 1 Series 2011-2019 reliability review

What should I look for in a used BMW 1 Series?

What are the most common problems with a used BMW 1 Series?

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.

Is a used BMW 1 Series 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