2012 BMW 1 Series: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 BMW 1 Seriess, from 12,795 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 BMW 1 Seriess than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Steering rack inner joints5× usualBMW 1 Series11.4% All 2012 cars2.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Shock absorbers2× usualBMW 1 Series12.9% All 2012 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Link ball joint covers2.1× usualBMW 1 Series5.3% All 2012 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Side repeaters2.3× usualBMW 1 Series2.7% All 2012 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wheels1.7× usualBMW 1 Series2.9% All 2012 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Coil springs: 2.9% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Sub-frame: 1.2% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 BMW 1 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres32% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension31% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes26% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- EGR valve leak (diesel)Diesel
The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall work was done. Watch for a strange smell or rough running.
- Engine and lights cutting out
An electrical fault could cut the engine and exterior lights. There have been three recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recall work. Flickering lights on the dash can be an early sign.
- Propshaft joint
The front propshaft joint can fail and leave the car stranded.
At the viewing: Listen for clunks or vibration from under the middle of the car.
- Water getting in
Blocked drains at the base of the windscreen can let water damage the electrics. Lights can mist up inside.
At the viewing: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15,113 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 12,251 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 7,436 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 2,757 | Tyres 22% |
| 2015 | 1,530 | Tyres 22% |
| 2014 | 2,004 | Tyres 24% |
| 2013 | 15,070 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 2,309 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 1,902 | Tyres 36% |
| 2009 | 1,635 | Brakes 38% |
| 2008 | 1,142 | Brakes 43% |
| 2007 | 766 | Brakes 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 BMW 1 Seriess registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score