In our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey of vehicles currently offered for sale in the UK, the BMW 1 Series received a dependability rating that was higher than average. 16.5% of the owners who replied said their vehicle had issues at least once.
Running costs was the one area where owners were the least satisfied. Although some models have astonishingly low fuel usage, some owners of older diesel BMWs have had to pay hefty repair costs when turbochargers, injectors, or exhaust filters broke after the manufacturer’s warranty had expired.
Even though the Mk2 model was no longer being sold as a new car in 2021, it was still able to place 46th out of 75 cars, demonstrating that owners were happy with their vehicles even a few years after they were first purchased.
In This Article...
BestCS
According to Consumer Reports, the BMW 1 series has the poorest reliability track record ever. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) is the main culprit, but the true issue is that no solution has been found by the firm. Five incarnations of their efforts have failed.
Without hesitation, BMW will replace it, and the component comes with a 5-year, 120K-mile warranty. The actual issue is that when the HPFP fails, the automobile comes to a complete stop. Imagine what would happen to you if you were stuck in fast, heavy traffic on the freeway.
1 Series BMW
The same six-cylinder engines used in the 3 and 5 Series, including a powerful 300-hp twin-turbo, provide the power.
The 1 Series is a delight to drive because to its excellent steering and body control as well as its smooth clutch and shifter action.
The 135i we tried was really swift and nimble, and it even provided respectable fuel efficiency.
It was superseded in 2014 by the more upscale 2 Series, which comes in coupe and convertible body styles and features all-wheel drive with a selection of turbocharged four and six cylinder engines. The Gran Coupe 4-door models, 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive, which were built on a different, less performance-oriented architecture, received updates for 2020.
Summary
The BMW 1 Series is a three- or five-door medium-sized hatchback. The 1 Series is currently in its second generation. It debuted in 2011, and a significant update was made in 2015. Its manufacture came to an end in 2019 and was replaced with a brand-new design.
There were no coupe or convertible variations of this model, unlike the original 1 Series. These vehicles received the moniker 2 Series and were priced and equipped more than the 1 Series.
The UK media gave the BMW 1 Series a majority of good to very good 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.
What Car? ranked the diesel-powered 1 Series as the most dependable family vehicle in its 2020 owners’ survey. 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.
How is the inside doing?
With an instrument cluster in the driver’s direct line of sight and a central touchscreen that is oriented in that direction, it is a traditional BMW up front. BMW has also fallen victim to the trap of placing the heating and air conditioning controls directly below the touchscreen of the infotainment system. The gear selector lever, Start/Stop button, and iDrive touch controller are all located in the center console.
It has been tried and tested, and as the expression goes, don’t fix what ain’t broke. VW, excuse me.
But the significant repackaging has made the difference in the back. Access is simpler compared to the preceding 1 Series, and there is more elbow, knee, and headroom everywhere. Additionally, the boot space has increased by 20 liters to 380 liters, or 1,200 liters when the back bench is folded down.
How dependable is a BMW 1 Series?
BMW finished in joint tenth place (with Mazda) out of 30 manufacturers in the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, much ahead of Audi, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. The 1 Series itself was among the more dependable vehicles in the family car class when it was running on gasoline, placing third.
How dependable is a 3 Series BMW?
An illustration of a Personal Contract Purchase: Cash price PS10,000, deposit PS150, and borrowing PS8,500 for 4 years at a representative 7.4% APR A total of PS4127.50 will be paid after 47 instalments of PS132.04. PS1833.38 is the total cost of credit. Payable in total is PS11,833.38. 8,000 miles per year as a base. If excess miles is used, there are fees. Finance subject to status; only those 18+.
Although BMW has a reputation for building dependable vehicles, its poor 21st place finish (out of 30 manufacturers) in our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction study demonstrates that there are still some areas that need to be improved. In the Driver Power Best cars to own survey, the 3 Series came in at number 31 out of 75 vehicles.
The latest 5 Series, which shares most of its technology with the most recent 3 Series, was ranked in 40th place, which is good news for the new car’s dependability despite the fact that the 3 Series was not included in the survey of customer satisfaction. We expect the 3 Series can raise its overall ranking as many of the infotainment technologies as well as the car’s fundamental design, engine, and gearboxes performed well in the 5 Series.
BMW is known for building secure vehicles, and the 3 Series lives up to that reputation. The most recent vehicle underwent a thorough safety testing process in 2019 and received a perfect five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Protection for adult and child occupants was 97% and 87%, respectively.
Under what BMW refers to as Active Guard Plus, additional safety systems are included. This incorporates cruise control with braking capability, speed limit information, lane departure warning, a collision and pedestrian warning system with a city brake function, and all of the aforementioned features.
Customers can add the Driving Assistant Professional package for about PS1,250 for a more complete set of safety features. Active cruise control, steering and lane control assistance, lane keeping assistance with active side collision protection, priority warning and wrong-way warning systems, and cross-traffic alert are some of the features that fall under this category. In the event of an accident, BMW’s Connected+ service, which comes standard, can notify the emergency services.
What issues are there with BMW Series 1?
Several recalls have been issued for the 1 Series, including ones for a rear axle issue, a problem with the power-assisted brakes, a potential issue with the side airbags and seat belt tensioners, and a possibility that some diesel engines could catch fire.
Is the BMW Series 1 an excellent first car?
The BMW 1 Series is arguably your best option if you’re looking for your first BMW. Its modest size and agility make it simple for inexperienced new drivers to operate. The performance, amenities, and quality of a BMW 1 Series far exceed those of many other vehicles in its class, which are frequently quite simple.
It comes with a variety of engines, allowing new drivers to select one that best suits their driving preferences and may result in lower insurance prices. The 1 Series, like other BMW vehicles, is svelte and fashionable and has a number of safety measures perfect for a novice driver.
Is buying a pre-owned BMW 1 Series worth it?
Comparing the 1-Series hatchback to its closest rivals, the Golf and Audi A3, there is something about its appearance that doesn’t quite work. However, while seated behind the wheel, it feels much like a 3-Series, which justifies the firm’s used rates.
People 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.
The least expensive model is the 1.6 petrol. Versions older than three years cost about PS2,000 less than 2.0 diesels. Since depreciation is modest for the first three years, they don’t become a fair deal until the fourth or fifth year.
The MPG of the 2.0 petrol engine is similar to that of the 1.6 petrol, which is about 38. So it’s difficult to understand why you wouldn’t choose the more sophisticated engine if you can pay the insurance. But if gas mileage is the most important consideration, the 2.0 diesel achieves about 15 MPG greater.
Aim for less than PS17,000 for the 2.0P and less than PS16,000 for the 1.6P when purchasing anything relatively new. The 2.0D is closer to PS 18,000 in price. After the first MOT, you may purchase a 1.6P for less than PS12,000 due to the fact that depreciation stays low for the first three years.
The 1.6P’s average mileage is almost identical to that of the 2.0D, indicating that they have both been used as commuter or business vehicles. The result is that regardless of the gasoline they use, the 5 and 6 year old cars all have mileages between 40 and 50,000 and are between PS7,500 and PS9,500.
Here is one of the frequent issues with this car that Used Car Expert has identified, along with how to spot it and what to do about it:
When driving the automobile, especially over difficult terrain and speed bumps, listen for any rear suspension cracking. The rear suspension’s ball joints may be to blame for this creaking. Try to negotiate a PS100.00 price reduction if you discover this defect.
Visit www.UsedCarExpert.co.uk for a comprehensive list of the BMW 1 SERIES’s usual problems.
BMW F21 dependability
The 1 Series: is it dependable? In production since 2011, the F20/F21 BMW 1 Series is still going strong. It has received compliments for its superior safety features, smooth ride, and user-friendly infotainment system.
Better BMW 1 or 3 Series?
With regard to fuel types and transmissions, both models provide a wide variety of powertrains. The 3 Series also has a state-of-the-art hybrid. The 330e has several astounding statistics, like as a 292hp power rating with only 188.3–201.8 mpg in terms of consumption.
These two automobiles also come with performance options. The M135i xDrive, a brand-new hot hatch with 306 horsepower and four-wheel drive that can reach 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, is an option for the 1 Series. The M340i with xDrive is back for the 3 Series. With a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 374 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, the car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in in 4.4 seconds.
Overall, these cars are quite evenly matched in terms of their engines. The 3 Series is the more potent of the two, but because it is larger than the 1 Series, its fuel efficiency isn’t quite as outstanding.
Is purchasing a BMW worthwhile?
When BMW began promoting its cars as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” in the 1970s, the company soon grew to become one of the world’s top luxury automobile manufacturers.
BMW has a long history of producing eye-catching vehicles and SUVs that receive high praise from automotive writers.
Both auto fanatics and everyday people who just want the best for their vehicles greatly prize them.
Because they are high-performance luxury vehicles with excellent interiors, a smooth ride, high levels of comfort, and some of the best technological features available, BMWs are a good investment. BMW is a brand that embodies high status, and their cars offer an exceptional driving experience.
BMW stopped producing the 1 Series when?
Since 2004, BMW has been producing a line of C-segment subcompact executive automobiles under the name BMW 1 Series. It is presently in its third generation and is the replacement for the BMW 3 Series Compact. The first generation, which served as the entry-level model in the BMW product line, was made in hatchback, coupe, and convertible body types.
Since 2014, the coupe and convertible versions have been sold independently under the 2 Series brand, therefore both body types are no longer part of the 1 Series lineup. 2017 saw the release of a four-door sedan for the Chinese market, which was built on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the third-generation 1 Series hatchback.
The first generation featured the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, a high-performance BMW M variant. The 1 Series M Coupe was replaced by the BMW M2 in 2016 as a result of the 1 Series coupe type being replaced by the 2 Series.
The 1 Series has been rear-wheel driven for its first two incarnations, although all-wheel drive has been an available feature since 2012. The 1 Series’ third generation, which debuted in 2019, switched to a front-wheel drive configuration while keeping the all-wheel drive option.