2010 BMW 1 Series · 83,554 MOT tests
2010 BMW 1 Series reliability
2010 BMW 1 Seriess fail 32.1% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 1 Series years (83,554 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 32.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 102,775
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 83,554
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- 2011 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (81% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Suspension10.5%
- Tyres8%
- Brakes7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 5.42%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.32%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.45%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.18%
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 2.07%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.74%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.41%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.92%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.22%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.38%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.05%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.5%)
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 2010 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2010 BMW 1 Seriess fail 32.1% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 1 Series years (83,554 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (5.42% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.32% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 BMW 1 Series shows 102,775 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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