2023 BMW 1 Series: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2023 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2023 BMW 1 Series, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2023 BMW 1 Series
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.
- All engines
Electrical and warning light faults
The main faults reported are electrical: warning lights with no clear cause and infotainment faults.
At the viewing: Test the screen and check no warning lights stay on.
- Diesel
Particulate filter warnings (diesel)
Diesels have more problems, including DPF warnings and engine management faults.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for warning lights.
- Some cars
Airbag and camshaft recalls (2020)
Recalls covered the driver's airbag fabric (about 1,100 cars) and camshaft bearing cap screws that could come loose (39 cars).
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
What to check on a 2023 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Looking at a BMW 1 Series?
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Other years
Every year of the BMW 1 Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | 45,249 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 36,394 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 22,214 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 8,208 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 4,513 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 5,815 | Tyres 25% |
| 2013 | 46,392 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 39,866 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 7,344 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 6,307 | Tyres 35% |
| 2009 | 5,465 | Tyres 36% |
| 2008 | 4,129 | Brakes 41% |
| 2007 | 2,814 | Brakes 46% |
| 2006 | 1,811 | Brakes 46% |
| 2005 | 1,773 | Brakes 49% |
| 2004 | 460 | Suspension 43% |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score