BMW 1 Series Common Faults

30
Fault Reports
25
Solved
9
Model Years
📖 How to Use This Page

Every figure below comes from owner-submitted fault reports for this exact model — not a manufacturer spec sheet. Jump to any section, or scroll through for the full picture before buying or diagnosing a problem.

📊 Data Score 📋 Overview 🔍 Reliability 🗂️ Problem Categories 💰 Repair Costs 💡 Buying Advice 🔧 Full Fault List ❓ FAQ

📊 BMW 1 Series Data Score

Reliability Score
42/100
Below Average
Resolution Rate
83%
25 of 30 confirmed fixed
Risk Level
Low
1 serious/critical case
Maintenance Complexity
High
9 systems affected

📐 The MyCarFault Score blends this model's resolution rate (% of reports with a confirmed fix) and severity mix of its 30 reported cases. It reflects our database only, not a manufacturer or third-party rating.

📋 Most Reported Problems

🗂️ Problem Categories

Which vehicle systems generate the most reports for the BMW 1 Series, based on all 30 cases on this page.

Engine
8 (27%)
Electrical
5 (17%)
Suspension
5 (17%)
Transmission
3 (10%)
Other
2 (7%)
Fuel System
2 (7%)
Exhaust
2 (7%)
Brakes
2 (7%)
Cooling
1 (3%)

🛠️ High maintenance complexity — issues span 9 different systems, with an average reported repair cost of $1,200. Models touching fewer systems are generally simpler and cheaper to keep on top of.

⚡ Quick Summary
Fault Reports
30
25 with confirmed fix
Est. Repair Cost
$1,200
avg · $375–$2150 range
Severity Mix
Critical 3%
Fix Rate
83%
of reported faults solved

BMW 1 Series drivers have shared 30 fault reports, covering problems such as BMW 118d E87 N47 timing chain failure at low mileage, BMW 1 Series 2016 P0300 random misfire rough idle, BMW 1 Series 2017 Transmission slipping between gears, BMW 1 Series 2018 Car wont start clicking sound and BMW 1 Series 2014 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain. Most reported issues are rated critical severity.

📋 BMW 1 Series Overview

The BMW 1 Series has 30 owner-reported faults recorded on MyCarFault. Documented issues include BMW 118d E87 N47 timing chain failure at low mileage, BMW 1 Series 2016 P0300 random misfire rough idle, BMW 1 Series 2017 Transmission slipping between gears, BMW 1 Series 2018 Car wont start clicking sound, and BMW 1 Series 2014 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain.

The majority of reported faults are rated critical severity. 83% of reported issues have a confirmed driver-verified fix.

Estimated repair costs based on owner-reported data range from $375 to $2150, with an average of $1,200 USD. Costs vary by fault type, garage type, and parts availability in your region.

Long-term BMW 1 Series ownership appears manageable based on community data. A high proportion of reported faults have confirmed fixes, suggesting problems are diagnosable and repairable by informed owners and independent garages.

🔍 Reliability Snapshot

Fault Reports
30
Verified Fixes
25
Avg Severity
Critical
Est. Repair Cost
$1,200
Most Common Issue
BMW 118d E87 N47 timing chain failure at…
Owner Confidence
High

💰 Repair Cost Insight

Based on 30 owner-reported BMW 1 Series fault cases where cost data was provided:

Average Cost
$1,200
Lowest Estimate
$375
Highest Estimate
$2,150

Estimates are owner-reported and vary by region, garage type, and parts availability. Independent specialists typically charge 30–50% less than main dealers for the same repair.

💡 Should You Buy a Used BMW 1 Series?

Reports on File
30
Resolution Rate
83%
Most-Affected System
Engine
Risk Level
Low

Thinking about buying a used BMW 1 Series? Here is what our fault data suggests.

The BMW 1 Series has a significant number of community-reported faults. This does not necessarily mean the car is unreliable — high fault counts often reflect high ownership numbers. Focus on whether the known issues on this page have been addressed on the specific car you are viewing.

The most reported issue is "BMW 118d E87 N47 timing chain failure at low mileage". Ask the seller specifically about this before committing to a purchase, and have an independent mechanic check for it during a pre-purchase inspection.

An independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is strongly recommended regardless of the seller's assurances or the car's service history.

❓ Common Questions About the BMW 1 Series

YEAR: All 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2007 2004

🔧 Reported Faults


🟡
BMW 118d E87 N47 timing chain failure at low mileage
2007 Critical 💰 $800–$3500 USD
134 fixes
👁 36,756
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2016 P0300 random misfire rough idle
P0300 2016
1 fix
👁 2,038
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2017 Transmission slipping between gears
2017
1 fix
👁 1,982
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2018 Car wont start clicking sound
2018
1 fix
👁 1,490
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2014 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain
2014
1 fix
👁 1,416
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2014 Front suspension clunking over bumps
2014 💰 $150–$1200 USD
1 fix
👁 1,411
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2014 Check engine light P0171 lean mixture
P0171 2014
1 fix
👁 1,397
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2018 CVT transmission shudder and jerking
2018 💰 $150–$4000 USD
1 fix
👁 1,385
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2017 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain
2017
1 fix
👁 1,215
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2015 Battery draining overnight parasitic drain
2015
1 fix
👁 1,199
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2015 Fuel economy dropped poor MPG
2015
1 fix
👁 1,122
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2013 Coolant leak from engine area
2013
1 fix
👁 1,083
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2017 Car wont start clicking sound
2017
1 fix
👁 915
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2015 N13 engine P0171
P0171 2015
1 fix
👁 860
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2015 Front suspension clunking over bumps
2015 💰 $150–$1200 USD
1 fix
👁 829
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2016 Exhaust rattle noise from underneath
2016
1 fix
👁 794
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2016 Alternator warning light battery not charging
2016
1 fix
👁 754
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2018 Engine overheating temperature gauge high
2018
1 fix
👁 738
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2013 ABS warning light on
2013
1 fix
👁 709
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2013 Wheel bearing humming noise while driving
2013
1 fix
👁 695
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2018 Power steering heavy and whining
2018
1 fix
👁 630
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2017 Brake pads worn squealing noise
2017 💰 $150–$600 USD
1 fix
👁 626
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2013 Power steering heavy and whining
2013
1 fix
👁 596
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2016 Brake pads worn squealing noise
2016 💰 $150–$600 USD
1 fix
👁 505
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2015 CVT transmission shudder and jerking
2015 💰 $150–$4000 USD
1 fix
👁 468
🟢
BMW 1 Series 2014 Exhaust rattle noise from underneath
2014
1 fix
👁 188
BMW E87 1 Series N45 N46 Timing Chain Guide Failure
2004 Medium
👁 21
BMW E87 118d 120d N47 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
2007 High
👁 17
BMW F20 1 Series B47 Water Pump Failure
2015 High
👁 15
BMW F20 1 Series N47 Timing Chain Rattle — 116d 118d
2011 High
👁 12

🚗 Drivers Also Viewed

BMW 3 Series 33 faults → BMW 5 Series 25 faults → BMW 7 Series 25 faults → BMW X3 25 faults → BMW X5 25 faults →

Own a BMW 1 Series?

Share your fault or fix and help other owners save money.

🔗 Explore More


🩺 Common Symptoms
Battery draining overnight Car won't start — clicking sound only Clunking from front suspension over bumps CVT shudder at 35–45 mph Exhaust rattle noise from underneath Power steering heavy and whining
🔢 Common OBD Codes
P0171 P0300
🔧
Usta
● Online