BMW 1-Series running costs and reliability

2019 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Published: 12 December 2022 Updated: 12 December 2022

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	6.0 - 7.3 mpp
Diesel engines	6.2 - 8.0 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	40.9 - 49.6 mpg
Diesel engines	48.7 - 62.8 mpg

View mpg & specs for any version

Strong fuel economy across the range
116d should prove most economical
M135i will be priciest to run

What are the running costs?

Unsurprisingly, the BMW badge attracts a premium list price with the cheapest 1 Series significantly more expensive than an entry-level Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. However, PCP finance and lease deals are more competitive and could see you driving around in a BMW for the same monthly payment as a ‘less desirable’ badge.

There are three petrols and three diesels on offer. Diesels might not be fashionable, but in the 1 Series they provide strong fuel economy. The basic 118i petrol will be enough for most people, as it combines low economy and CO2 emissions.

Truth be told, the performance models, the 128ti and M135i xDrive still return reasonable levels considering the power they offer.

We should point out that automatic, all-wheel drive cars, such as the 120d xDrive aren’t as economical as front-wheel drive manual models.

As with all fuel economy figures, real world returns vary due to factors such as driving style and the size of wheel fitted to your car. On paper, the 116d is the most fuel efficient, and the M135i is the least.

View detailed MPG and CO2 figures on the BMW 1 Series specs pages

Servicing and warranty

The 1 Series comes with BMW’s standard three-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes breakdown cover. The unlimited mileage warranty is a rarity among manufacturers, even if the three-year limit is below that of Hyundai and Kia.

BMW offers several service plans. One of the more popular ones involves paying up-front for four years’ worth of services.

Reliability

BMW has a good reputation for building reliable cars
The 1 Series uses a selection of new mechanical parts
The unlimited mileage warranty should ease your worries

Although BMW’s current reputation for reliability varies from model to model, this model is proving reliable. It has been subject to two recalls however. One to do with airbags and the other concerning the camshaft.

If you’re buying a used 1 Series, ensure that all potential recalls have been addressed by a certified garage.

Read owner’s reviews on the BMW 1 Series