BMW 1 Series Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

Whether a company car or a private vehicle, the BMW 1 Series is well-liked in the U.K. In reality, since the release of the first generation in 2005, approximately two million BMW 1 Series vehicles have been sold. 

And even if a 2019 BMW 1 Series is coming, the present model is still a great choice if you’re looking for a small, luxurious hatchback.

This is due to the large selection of engine and trim level combinations, the option of three- or five-door body designs, and each model’s high-quality interior. 

Even though a large selection is available, it can be overwhelming if you’re a picky consumer.

Are you fan of BMW car? Check this out! The Most Reliable BWM Models (Which ones are the best?)*

VIDEO: BMW 1 Series Review

BMW 1 Series Best and Worst Years

The 2009 BMW 1 Series Convertible, 2011 BMW 1 Series Coupe, 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupé, 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible, 2010 BMW 1 Series Coupe, and 2010 BMW 1 Series Convertible are the best BMW 1 Series models of all time, according to. Consumer Reports claims to offer comprehensive, unbiased information about the BMW 1 Series. In a review, the author advises searching for joint issues while purchasing a 2011–2019 model. According to a review, the U.K. media gave the BMW 1 Series fair, excellent ratings, most of which expire after roughly six or seven years. Eventually, according to, the worst and best repair frequencies for the 2008–2011 model years are 94% and 32.285714285714%, respectively.

The Best Years for the BMW 1

The BMW 1 Series performs best during the years 2008 and 2013. The 2009 BMW 1 Series Convertible, 2011 BMW 1 Series Coupe, and 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupé are some of the most excellent versions, according to a review. According to a review, the E82/E88 generation BMW 1 Series (2008-2013) is a fantastic buy. 

The BMW 1 Series, whether in coupe or convertible configuration, is reportedly one of the last ten years most enjoyable drive automobiles. A review cites these cars as the most excellent E82 models and offers a buyer’s guide for BMW E82/E88.

 BMW reportedly introduced the subcompact 1 Series to the United States in 2008 as a competitor in the expanding small car market sector after making it available in Europe in the 2004 model year.

The Worst Years for the BMW 1 Series

According to the BMW 1 Series, 2010 and 2011 are the worst years. According to a review, the BMW 120d (E81) is among the worst-used BMW vehicles available. Furthermore, the model years from 2008 to 2011 have the worst average repair frequency at 94%. 

According to a review, the variable camshaft screws and the limp home mode triggering while driving are two of the most frequent issues with used BMW 1 Series hatchbacks. 

Lastly, no exact data regarding the BMW 1 Series’ worst years exists. However, it had a significant facelift in 2008.

Overview Of BMW 1 Series

Learn more about BMW car models:

BMW 3 Series Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

BMW 4 Series Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The BMW 1 Series is a three- or five-door medium-sized sedan hatchback. The 1 Series is currently in its second generation. It debuted in 2011, and a significant update was made in 2015. 

Its manufacture ended in 2019 and was replaced with a brand-new design.

There were no gran coupe or convertible variations of this vehicle, unlike the original 1 Series. Instead, these vehicles received the moniker 2 Series and were priced and equipped more than the 1 Series.

The U.K. media gave the BMW cars a majority of good to excellent ratings, particularly for the powerful M140i model. The driving dynamics of the automobile were widely lauded.

 However, the lack of interior and trunk capacity was criticized by other car review.

How Safe Is BMW 1 Series?

According to, the BMW 1 Series has a decent safety rating. According to a review, the driver’s and passenger’s knees and femurs were well protected by the dummy readings during the frontal collision, and the passenger compartment stayed stable. 

According to Euro NCAP, the 2019 BMW 1 Series has a five-star safety rating. According to a review, the 2021 BMW 1 Series scored 73% for active safety assistance, 83% for adult and child occupant protection, 89% for vulnerable road users, and 76% for vulnerable road user protection. 

According to a review, Euro NCAP assessed the 1 Series in 2019 and gave it a perfect score of five stars for safety. Finally, the BMW 1 Series comes standard with dual front airbags, side airbags, inflatable side protection for the head, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control.

Reliability of BMW 1 Series

According to, the BMW 1 Series has a decent safety rating. According to a review, the driver’s and passenger’s knees and femurs were well protected by the dummy readings during the frontal collision, and the passenger compartment stayed stable. 

According to Euro NCAP, the 2019 BMW 1 Series has a five-star safety rating. According to a review, the 2021 BMW 1 Series scored 73% for active safety assistance, 83% for adult and child occupant protection, 89% for vulnerable road users, and 76% for vulnerable road user protection.

 According to a review, Euro NCAP assessed the 1 Series in 2019 and gave it a perfect score of five stars for safety. Finally, the BMW model 1 Series comes standard with dual front airbags, side airbags, inflatable side protection for the head, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control.

How To Find The Best Deals on BMW 1 Series?

Check this out: BMW 5 Series Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

You can use the procedures below to obtain the best BMW 1 Series prices:

1. To learn about the most recent market trends and deals, visit automobile industry websites like AutoCompanion.com.

2. Consult buying guides like Autotrader.co.za to discover more about the various models and their characteristics to make an educated choice.

3. Check U.S. News & World Report for leasing offers, rebates, and incentives on brand-new automobiles.

4. Use Consumer Reports’ local inventory search to discover pricing and performance details.

5. Check local classified websites like CARFAX for used BMW 1 Series listings. This might assist you in price comparison and deal hunting.

Following these steps, you can get the most incredible BMW 1 Series bargains that fit your demands and budget.

Tips for Maintaining your BMW 1 Series

The following advice will help you maintain your BMW 1 Series and keep out of the newer models common problem or common BMW problems:

1. Comply with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which calls for regular air filter replacements, brake fluid flushes, fuel efficiency for fuel consumption, manual transmission, and turbocharged engine oil changes.

2. Maintain your automobile clean and routinely wash it to avoid dirt on the exterior.

3. To keep your leather rear seat nice and supple, protect them by using a leather conditioner.

4. Regularly check the treads on your tires to see if they are worn out and replace them if necessary.

5. Use auto wax to prevent paint from fading from sunshine exposure.

6. Pay attention to warning lights on the dashboard and fix any problems immediately to prevent further harm.

These pointers help you preserve the functionality and long-term worth of your BMW 1 Series.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful. 

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. 

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. 

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

 You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. 

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. 

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. 

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon. 

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. 

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

BMW 1 Series FAQ’s

Which BMW 1 Series is the most trustworthy?

On its ranking of the most dependable family vehicles, the 1 Series with a diesel engine came in #1. The gasoline-powered models came in at number ten. The 1 Series maintained its top ranking in the dependability survey for 2021, despite reports that the petrol models were more dependable than the diesel variants.

Is buying a pre-owned BMW 1 Series worth it?

Used automobile shoppers frequently choose the BMW 1 Series.

Many ignore the 1-Series’ small boot, which is also difficult to fill, because it drives like a 3-Series but is less expensive. Although it isn’t much better than in any other hatchback of this size or the 3-Series, the rear legroom is also somewhat limited.

What is the BMW 1 Series’ best engine?

The 118i petrol engine is our top pick for the BMW 1 Series. It has a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds. That is faster than the A180 Mercedes A-Class but a little slower than the 35 TFSI Audi A3.

Are BMW 1 Series repairs affordable?

Are repairs on BMWs expensive? Yes, BMWs are expensive to fix, according to the common agreement among mechanics and drivers.

How long is a BMW 1 Series expected to last?

How long is the life of your 1 Series? Looking at numerous ownership forums, foreign studies, and BMW-specific websites, it seems that a 1 Series can easily travel between 240 000 and 320 000 kilometers as long as its owner takes care of it and drives it responsibly.