BMW 1-Series Problems and Repair Histories
BMW 1-Series problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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BMW 1-Series
BMW 1-Series for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the BMW 1-Series problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For BMW 1-Series problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the BMW 1-Series problems and repair histories that follow it.
BMW 1-Series Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2012 | BMW 1-Series | 14 1-Series, 9.8 months of data per 1-Series, average 7200 miles Small sample size. Join or 14 1-Series, 9.8 months of data per 1-Series, average 7200 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs | |
| 2011 | BMW 1-Series | 31 1-Series, 10.4 months of data per 1-Series, average 14800 miles33 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
| 2009 | BMW 1-Series | 22 1-Series, 10.0 months of data per 1-Series, average 32300 miles Small sample size. Join or 22 1-Series, 10.0 months of data per 1-Series, average 32300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs | |
| 2008 | BMW 1-Series | 43 1-Series, 9.2 months of data per 1-Series, average 36700 miles 76 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten BMW 1-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2012 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 3000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 20000 | 0 | Headlights |
2012 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 3000 | 0 | Tail light had an electrical problem, needed to be replaced. |
| Jan | 2013 | 6000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 1-Series in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 2300 | 0 | combox was replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 14000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2012 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 1-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 12700 | 0 | Very rough intermittant idle at start up and occasionally at stop lights/signs. |
| Mar | 2013 | 19000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2012 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 15000 | 0 | Engine was misfiring under acceleration when extremely cold (8deg. F) a few months ago. Replaced VANOS solenoid(s) under warranty. |
2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 7-speed automated manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2010 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 3000 | 0 | Reflashed, Oil Change CHMSL replaced Seat Back Remote Release Secured |
| Mar | 2013 | 30000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| BMW 1-Series in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 5580 | 0 | Satellite radio became inoperative, Car spent 2 days in shop for repair. Appears to have been a software issue, reprogrammed. Loaner car provided |
| Aug | 2011 | 10540 | 0 | Third brake light assembly, lense cracked then broke off. Repaired no cost . Informed "common problem" Battery replaced and upgraded to 90AH. Bulletin641 81 11 0061380300. Software recoded Mirror and Nozzle heater full coding performed no apparent issue prior to visit |
| May | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 2000 | 0 | Intake sensor |
| Feb | 2011 | 10000 | 0 | Trunk lid tail light cracked and popped out of trunk lid. Common problem on 128/135 BMWs. |
| Sep | 2011 | 20000 | 0 | Broken 3rd brake light. Replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 33000 | 0 | 3rd brake light broken again. This time, dealer said there was a TSB for this and replaced the light again |
| BMW 1-Series in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 620 | 0 | Wind noise near B-pillar at about door handle level. Adjusted window to reduce wind noise (but not completely eliminate). Unknown emissions system reprogramming. |
| Oct | 2011 | 2480 | 0 | Wind noise again. Not willing to replace door seals, and no further adjustment of window pressure available. Will have to live with minor (or normal?) wind noise. Center console squeak / rattle. Dealer acknowledged problem, but didn't correct as I didn't want the console torn apart. Will consider at year-end oil change visit. |
| Jan | 2012 | 3100 | 0 | Replaced center armrest due to creaking diagnosed in Oct 2011. |
| Apr | 2012 | 3720 | 0 | Power steering hose failed, possibly damaged by dealer during performance suspension install. Replaced under warranty, but significant delay as part was ordered from Germany. |
| Dec | 2012 | 7440 | 70 | Creaking at base of windshield |
| Feb | 2013 | 7840 | 0 | Continuing rattles and creaks at base of windshield. |
| Mar | 2013 | 8060 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2011 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 1000 | 0 | Interference in all audio modes (Radio/Satt/CD) Took a while to reprogram. |
| Oct | 2012 | 15000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2010 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 0 | Sirius radio would lose signal intermittently. Dealer reprogramed it (took 2 days). No other problems with the car in the two years since. | |
2009 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Hawaii, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 5000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 6000 | 0 | SES-HPFP failure, Stereo (dealer caused while in shop), Windows (dealer caused while in shop) |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 1-Series in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 10000 | 0 | Passenger side window would lower to halfway when attempt to fully raise. high pressure fuel pump was defective, leading to long crank times. |
| Aug | 2010 | 15000 | 0 | fuel pump replaced; rear driver's side light bulb replaced. |
| Sep | 2010 | 16000 | 0 | driver side taillight assembly (part that holds the bulbs) had to be replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 201hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Belgium | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 3720 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 4960 | 0 | Oil was leaking from gearbox into clutch. Gearbox, clutch, flywheel replaced. |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 1-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 9500 | 0 | The gearshift assembly malfunctioned causing the car to go into failsafe mode. Car was towed to the dealer and part was replaced. |
| Sep | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2009 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 1000 | 0 | Driver window has a mind of its own. Close it, and it sometimes goes 1/2 way back down on its own. New Software did not fix it. May be a Motor problem and it is affecting other ones. |
| Mar | 2010 | 5000 | 0 | Dealer cannot replicate problem with driver window. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 1-Series in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | Airbag light came on. Connector on wire under driver's seat was disconnected or came loose. Dealer/service reconnected; airbag light turned off. Outside mirrors creat a whistling noise at 45-70 mph. Whistling increases in volume with speed. Certain crosswind conditions increase noise. Design flaw root cause is the groove and pressure cavity aft/under the mirror cap. |
| Aug | 2008 | 1000 | 0 | The rear 3rd brake light cover (red plastic) on trunk is cracked. Part was ordered by BMW Service Center; a waiting part. |
| Sep | 2008 | 2000 | 0 | It was the 3rd brake light plastic cover, not the actual light bulb, that was cracked. Direction given to technician NOT to over-torque new spring-loaded studs during installation of new part. |
| Feb | 2009 | 5000 | 0 | Throttle delay was noticeable since car was new. 0.5 sec. delay from idle. BMW Service reflashed SW with version 31.x. Still a slight delay but not as bad now. |
| Jun | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Front brakes were SQUEALING very loud & high-pitched from 20-0 mph (consistently), starting around 9000 miles. Dealer ordered and replaced frt. pads. Squealing noise went away completely. |
| Aug | 2009 | 12000 | 0 | The passenger-side window does not 'auto up' properly. After window rises 1/3rd way up, it goes back down. This happens 50% of the time. BMW attempted a few software re-programs; however, they were ALL unsuccessful in fixing my problem. Will try again. |
| Sep | 2009 | 13000 | 0 | This was a return trip which finally corrected the problem that was not fixed during my Aug. visit (several attempts at software reprogram). Window motor was replaced. |
| Dec | 2009 | 17000 | 0 | Coolant light came on when engine was cold. Eventually coolant light came on and stayed on. I added distilled water to top-off radiator. Coolant light went away, but I still took in car. They topped-off with more BMW coolant & pressure tested. |
| Nov | 2010 | 30000 | 0 | Frt brakes squealed EXTREMELY LOUD at low spd (5-20 mph). After 1 day at BMW service/dealer for 30K routine maintenance, mech. claimed no brake noise. Supervisor heard squeal during pick-up; kept car another day. Changed frt pads/sensor. |
| Feb | 2011 | 33300 | 0 | High pressure fuel pump starting to fail... long cranks at start-up. Also, brought in for seat belt component recall. When brought in, BMW service also identified SEVERAL recall notices. 5 of 6 injectors were replaced. |
| Apr | 2011 | 35000 | 0 | Engine light came on + 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON'; throttle response retarded/reduced power. Engine light went off next morning; power returned. 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' light still on. Replaced DEFECTIVE INTAKE CAMSHAFT SENSOR, cleared fault |
| Jun | 2011 | 39000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | Noticed clutch rattle/vibration. Noted on file, deemed to be normal by BMW. | |
| Jul | 2008 | 1860 | 0 | Faulty high pressure fuel pump. Ordered, but placed on back-order. |
| Aug | 2008 | 3100 | 0 | High pressure fuel pump successfully replaced. |
| Sep | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 BMW 1-Series 2dr Coupe
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 3000 | 0 | The SOS System (for BMW Assist) was not working. The computer also kept dropping my Bluetooth connectivity. |
| Aug | 2009 | 21000 | 0 | Laminate on steering wheel was replaced due to peeling off. |
| Oct | 2009 | 24000 | 0 | Sunroof would not open. Repair included software update with reflash |
| Aug | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| BMW 1-Series in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 5000 | 0 | TPS was sensing a flat tire. wasn't the case. |
| Sep | 2008 | 6000 | 0 | TPS went over, there was no leak. |
| Jan | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 BMW 1-Series 2dr Convertible
230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD
| BMW 1-Series in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 4000 | 0 | |
| Sep | 2008 | 5000 | 0 | Fuel tank and fuel sending unit replaced. |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert BMW 1-Series Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten BMW 1-Series problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
What People Are Saying about Problems with the BMW 1-Series
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