2009 BMW 1 Series · 72,548 MOT tests
2009 BMW 1 Series reliability
2009 BMW 1 Seriess fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 1 Series years (72,548 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2009 BMW 1 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 32.9%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 105,091
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 72,548
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (76% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.5%
- Suspension10.3%
- Brakes9.1%
- Tyres8.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.9%
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.97%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.33%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.5%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.38%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.03%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.01%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.43%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.59%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.1%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.34%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.67%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (6.1%)
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 2009 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2009 BMW 1 Seriess fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 1 Series years (72,548 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (4.97% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.33% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.5% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW 1 Series shows 105,091 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Check a 2009 BMW 1 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.