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There is a newer version of this car Read the latest BMW 1-Series Hatchback review here

BMW 1-Series Hatchback running costs and reliability

2011 - 2019 (change model)
Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Keith Adams Updated: 2 September 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.
Petrol engines 4.7 - 5.6 mpp
Diesel engines 5.6 - 6.8 mpp
What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.
Petrol engines 32.1 - 38.2 mpg
Diesel engines 43.5 - 53.3 mpg
View mpg & specs for any version
  • Efficient turbocharged petrols and diesels
  • No plug-in hybrid version of the 1 Series
  • 116d EfficientDynamics leads the way

It’s a premium three- and five-door hatch so it might come as a pleasant surprise to learn that the BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch can be relatively inexpensive to run – this goes some way to explaining why there are so many on Britain’s roads.

As there’s no plug-in hybrid version, the cheapest to run is the 116d EfficientDynamics with an official consumption claim of 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 89g/km.

No surprise that the high-performance M140i is the bookend of the range: stick with the standard manual gearbox and you’ll be trying to justify on-paper figures of 36.2mpg and 179g/km of CO2.

Other 1 Series running costs can be quite high, as servicing can prove expensive at a BMW dealer – but there are plenty of specialists out there.

Wider tyres and other BMW-specific consumables can add to the overall cost of ownership as you go on, though.

If having the lowest-possible emissions for your BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch is the primary factor in your buying decision, then at just 89g/km of CO2 your pick has to be the 116d EfficientDynamics.

The one to avoid? At 179g/km of CO2 you’ll want to steering clear of the M140i with a manual gearbox.

  • Disappointing number of 1 Series recalls
  • Work should now have been completed
  • But don’t assume, always check

Never judge a book by its cover. For all the BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch feels well-made and employs many premium-feeling materials, one look at its recall history with the DVSA vehicle inspectorate is eye-widening.

Recalls include two potential fire risks, four steering maladies and six related to engine issues such as stalling or tripping into limp-home mode.

On the positive side, these issues should now have all been fixed. However, it’s something you should check out with a BMW dealer for peace of mind.

Ongoing running costs

Road tax £0 - £600
Insurance group 12 - 41
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