2004 BMW 1 Series · 6,987 MOT tests
2004 BMW 1 Series reliability
2004 BMW 1 Seriess fail 39.4% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 1 Series years (6,987 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 39.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 122,707
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,987
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (141% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 71% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.2%
- Brakes14.9%
- Suspension11.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.3%
- Tyres8.1%
- Seat belts and airbags7.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 5.62%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.81%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Flexible brake hose excessively deteriorated 3.69%
A damaged or chafed brake hose can burst and cause sudden brake loss, so it must be replaced promptly.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.48%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.79%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Direction indicator wrong colour 2.69%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.99%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (16.95%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.53%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.5%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.64%)
Other years
Every BMW 1 Series year
The full picture: BMW 1 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 1 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2004 BMW 1 Seriess fail 39.4% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 1 Series years (6,987 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (5.62% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.81% of tests), flexible brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.69% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 BMW 1 Series shows 122,707 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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