2005 BMW 1 Series · 25,333 MOT tests
2005 BMW 1 Series reliability
2005 BMW 1 Seriess fail 38.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 1 Series years (25,333 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2005 BMW 1 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 38.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 127,596
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 25,333
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.3% of tests fail here (99% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.5%
- Brakes14.4%
- Suspension12%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.2%
- Tyres8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
- Seat belts and airbags5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.01%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.88%
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 3.47%
A damaged or chafed brake hose can burst and cause sudden brake loss, so it must be replaced promptly.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.11%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Direction indicator wrong colour 2.72%
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 (19.49%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (18.25%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.14%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.74%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.65%)
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 2005 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2005 BMW 1 Seriess fail 38.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 1 Series years (25,333 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (4.01% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.88% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 BMW 1 Series shows 127,596 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Check a 2005 BMW 1 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.