Skip to main content
Check

BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 (2004-2010) reliability

At a glance

BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 built around 2010: about average at the MOT

BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 models built around 2010 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 models built around 2010 involves the tyres.

BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88
excellent reliability2004-2010HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 92,771 tests of 1 Series models registered 2004-2010.

About 1 in 15 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 MOTs (6.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 25,761 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 MOTs (7.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 25,761 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E87/E81/E82/E88 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
12,57226.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
25,76126.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
19,03226.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
14,23126.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
9,40728.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
7,48228.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,94829.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
33828.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 compares

At each age below, see how the 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 77,858 tests across 11 BMW models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
12,57226.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
25,76126.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
19,03226.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
14,23126.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
9,40728.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
7,48228.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,94829.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
33828.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88.

  1. 1

    Citroen Xsara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,258 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    39,063 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Fiat Grande Punto

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.7%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,979 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,017 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

92%of all BMW 1 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

69 recalls in all

14 of the 69 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Plug in contact cable may malfunction
  • Possibility of fire

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 cars built around 2010

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,310 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
49%
Emissions
25%
Bodywork
2%
Steering
2%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Tyres
60%
Brakes
50%
Lighting
43%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 cars have aged

How 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (20,143 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (19,310 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (17,735 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (16,071 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (14,303 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (17,019 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (15,789 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (14,218 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (12,600 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (10,950 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (15,966 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (14,104 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (12,584 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (10,597 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (8,706 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (10,491 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (9,098 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (7,647 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (6,198 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (4,950 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (10,170 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (8,630 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (7,176 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (5,676 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (4,379 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (8,153 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (6,576 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (5,029 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (3,757 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,836 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (1,200 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (829 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (628 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (463 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (338 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as E87/E81/E82/E88 cars age

How each part holds up as E87/E81/E82/E88 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension49%45%50%52%
Brakes50%52%59%66%
Emissions25%24%11%14%
Tyres60%57%67%66%
Lighting43%49%55%56%
Drivetrain1%1%No figure1%
Bodywork2%1%2%3%
Steering2%2%3%5%
Corrosion15%14%18%17%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 833 to 1,310 cars at each age.

E87/E81/E82/E88 variants compared

1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 variants built around 2010

The fail rate for each 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • 11826.6%8,915 tests
  • 12027.3%3,405 tests
  • 11627.0%2,969 tests
  • 1 SERIES28.9%1,576 tests
  • 12323.7%765 tests

Petrol

  • 11625.4%3,851 tests
  • 11824.7%2,009 tests
  • 12023.8%853 tests
  • 1 SERIES23.3%851 tests
  • 12521.0%347 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW 1 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 1 Series built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E87/E81/E82/E88 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    25.9%
    Advisory: 9,461Fail: 920 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.9%
    Advisory: 5,244Fail: 1,007 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    15.8%
    Advisory: 3,659Fail: 1,379 (27% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.3%
    Advisory: 2,974Fail: 566 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    10.5%
    Advisory: 3,103Fail: 105 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 25,761 tests

Looking at a BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the BMW 1 Series E87/E81/E82/E88 (2004-2010) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 25,761 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 92,771 MOT tests on BMW 1 Series models first registered between 2004-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.