Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 33 | 3.5× | 2 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2010 | 8 | −38% | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2009 | 18 | 1.9× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2008 | 18 | 1.6× | 2 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2007 | 6 | −63% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2006 | 5 | −69% | — | Steering | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median 1 Series year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 1 Series problems
Latest BMW 1 Series recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.
Remedy: Vehicles produced up through December 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between January 2010 and May 2010 will…
Seat belts › Front
BMW is recalling 2,350 my 2008 1-series and 3- series passenger cars. Incorrect crimp connectors May have been used on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. As a result sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug May not occur which could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 16, 2009. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services toll-free at 1-800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 1 Series should you avoid?
2011, 2009 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 1 Series years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2011.
What is the best year for the BMW 1 Series?
2006 has the fewest complaints compared with other 1 Series years at the same age, followed by 2007 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 1 Series problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (33), electrical system (17) and lights (14). Airbag complaints peak in the 2011 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 1 Series had?
3 recalls across 2006–2011. The model year with the most is 2008. See all BMW 1 Series recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.