2009 BMW 1 Series (first used 2009) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.2% of BMW 1 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 57,714 1 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 1 Series cars first used in 2009 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 1 Series cars first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 1 Series figure was 6.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 1 Series | All cars first used 2009 | 1 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68.5% | 60.5% | 24,176 |
| 2022 | 67.1% | 60.1% | 23,125 |
| 2023 | 65.9% | 59.0% | 21,433 |
| 2024 | 65.4% | 58.4% | 19,281 |
| 2025 | 65.2% | 58.3% | 17,000 |
Common 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT failures
Share of the 19,886 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 15.9% | 3,163 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 11.0% | 2,187 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 8.4% | 1,676 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 8.4% | 1,673 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 7.5% | 1,494 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 1 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2009 BMW 1 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 1 Series cars, as a share of all 57,714 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.8% | 12,019 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 11.5% | 6,616 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 9.8% | 5,644 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.5% | 5,467 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 8.9% | 5,146 |
Questions about the 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 BMW 1 Series?
In 2025, 65.2% of 1 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 1 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 35.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (31.8%) and brakes (28.2%). The single most common item was “Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak” (15.9%).
How often does a 2009 BMW 1 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.8% of first tests on 1 Series cars first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 27.6% failed, and a further 7.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 19,886 of 57,714 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 BMW 1 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (11.5%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (9.8%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.5%) and “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (8.9%).
Is a 2009 BMW 1 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 68.5% in 2021 to 65.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 1 Series?
The numbers above cover every 1 Series first used in 2009 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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