Most common 2009 BMW 1 Series problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 1 Series complaints by model year
Best 1 Series years: 2006, 2007, 2010. Years to avoid: 2011, 2009, 2008. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 1 Series recalls (1)
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…
What 2009 BMW 1 Series owners say
Air bags
On November 28, 2014, my wife and I purchased a 2009 BMW 1-Series convertible from a local Chrysler dealer. We also purchased an extended warranty contract through the dealer. A few weeks later, my wife noticed the air bag icon on the dashboard was lit and a air bag "off " light located above the rear view mirror stayed on. We contacted the dealer to have it checked but the dealer could not diagnose the problem since they did have the diagnostic equipment to do so.they suggested that we take to a repair shop that had the equipment to test it. After the repair shop tested the system it was determined that air bag sensor located in the passenger seat was defective. The dealer's warranty company was then contacted by the repair shop to notified them about the failure and the cost to repair is estimated at approximately $1,800.00. …
For last 16 months BMW of north America has not fix the problem on expense of my own safety. When visited BMW dealership they say that BMW has no solution to resolve this problem yet. I am driving every day this car compromising my own safety. When I want to sell this car I can't get fair value price due to the recall problem. Potential buyer check car safety recall and do not buy car which is listed as a unsafe. BMW ignore all problems.
Lights
Right rear roadside parking and tail lamp LED failed. These lamps should not fail within this time frame. I was not aware of this issue until I was waming up car and cleaning off snow when I saw the difference.
Unsafe equipment: driver's side parking/running light stopped working. There were no indications on the dash regarding it's failure. This vehicle indicator light is integrated into the tail light lens assembly. Therefore making repair impossible for the owner of the vehicle. The BMW repair/service facility did not carry this in stock and as a result the vehicle was unable to be driven for 4 1/2 business days. Luckily I was provided a loaner vehicle since I was under warranty. BMW is aware of a defect in the tail light assemblies (sib 63 03 10) due to a rubber seal causing a chemical corrosion/leaking issue with the embedded LED lights. I feel they should be replacing all BMW 1 Series taillights that were exposed to the risk as a matter of safety and not differ the costs/risks to driver safety.
Electrical system
On November 28, 2014, my wife and I purchased a 2009 BMW 1-Series convertible from a local Chrysler dealer. We also purchased an extended warranty contract through the dealer. A few weeks later, my wife noticed the air bag icon on the dashboard was lit and a air bag "off " light located above the rear view mirror stayed on. We contacted the dealer to have it checked but the dealer could not diagnose the problem since they did have the diagnostic equipment to do so.they suggested that we take to a repair shop that had the equipment to test it. After the repair shop tested the system it was determined that air bag sensor located in the passenger seat was defective. The dealer's warranty company was then contacted by the repair shop to notified them about the failure and the cost to repair is estimated at approximately $1,800.00. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 1 Series. While driving 25 MPH, the contact activated the air conditioner, but no air flowed into the vehicle. The contact smelled an electronic burning odor and turned off the air conditioner. The vehicle was taken to BMW of bayside (located at 266 e shore rd, great neck, ny 11023, [phone]) where the contact was informed to call the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 108,657.
2009 BMW 1 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 1 Series a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 1 Series rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the 1 Series at the same age. It is one of the 1 Series years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 1 Series?
The air bags — 7 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (6) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 1 Series have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 1 Series, the most recent from June 10, 2010 (retractor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 1 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2007 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2009 and 2008. See the full BMW 1 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 1 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.