Used BMW M140i 2016-2019 reliability review

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

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

Though formidably quick, the M140i can quite easily play the role of shopping car, so it will have been used in tight urban car parks and on school runs. Check the bodywork carefully for any signs of damage, including light scuffs and dents that can be expensive to repair. Also check the condition of the alloy wheels carefully, as these may well have met kerbs.

Of course, the M140i will have been driven enthusiastically too, so check the alignment of the wheels carefully. Also, check all the bodywork, including underneath, for signs of any impromptu off-road action, check the exhaust for any nasty signs of blue or black smoke, and above all check the car’s service history (we’d recommend only buying a car with a complete one) carefully, and make sure all oil changes have been carried out on time. Also look at brake discs and pads, both of which wear quickly, and also look at the general condition of the tyres. The engine and the gearbox tend to be bulletproof, and owners report few problems with them.

Is a used BMW 1 Series reliable?

Although the M140i wasn't specifically cited, the 1 Series as a whole appeared in our What Car? Reliability Survey.

Based on that, the BMW M140i is extremely reliable. In fact, the 1 Series placed first out of 29 family cars, with a perfect reliability score of 100%. That's right, none of the 1 Series owners that took part in our survey had any issues with their cars.

This places the 1 Series (and subsequently the M140i) above many rivals, including the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class, for reliability.

As a car brand, BMW came sixth out of 30 manufacturers, with an overall reliability score of 94.6% – confidence-inspiring. BMW ranked higher than Audi, Mercedes and Tesla.

Used BMW M140i: owners' reliability data

Readers reported that the BMW M140i (and 1 Series as a whole) is mostly dependable, even with significant mileage, according to our latest Reliability Survey. Minor issues included clogged windscreen washer jets if BMW’s screenwash wasn’t used and overly sensitive safety and convenience systems, which led to numerous warning messages.

Limited feedback on BMW’s dealer network was generally positive. The lack of major issue reports further underscores the 1 Series' reliability, reflected in its class-topping survey result.