2021 BMW 1 Series (first used 2021) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 90.6% of BMW 1 Series cars first used in 2021 passed their MOT first time, against 87.2% for all cars first used in 2021. Across 40,718 1 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 1 Series cars first used in 2021 (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 2021 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 1 Series cars first used in 2021 against all cars first used in 2021 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 1 Series figure was 3.4 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2021 1 Series | All cars first used 2021 | 1 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 82.9% | 41 |
| 2022 | fewer than 500 tests | 89.9% | 21 |
| 2023 | 94.2% | 90.8% | 1,722 |
| 2024 | 90.2% | 87.6% | 19,823 |
| 2025 | 90.6% | 87.2% | 19,173 |
Common 2021 BMW 1 Series MOT failures
Share of the 3,843 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 25.4% | 977 |
| Tyre condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | 12.7% | 488 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 12.0% | 463 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 8.0% | 308 |
| Headlamp aim: too high | 6.6% | 253 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2021 BMW 1 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- 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 2021 BMW 1 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2021 1 Series cars, as a share of all 40,718 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 10.9% | 4,447 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 6.9% | 2,794 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 5.0% | 2,038 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 3.4% | 1,365 |
| Nail in tyre | 2.4% | 958 |
Questions about the 2021 BMW 1 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2021 BMW 1 Series?
In 2025, 90.6% of 1 Series cars first used in 2021 passed their MOT first time, against 87.2% for all cars first used in 2021. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2021 1 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 60.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (14.3%) and brakes (10.3%). The single most common item was “Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (25.4%).
How often does a 2021 BMW 1 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 9.4% of first tests on 1 Series cars first used in 2021 did not pass first time: 8.2% failed, and a further 1.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 3,843 of 40,718 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2021 BMW 1 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 10.9% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (6.9%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (5.0%), “Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (3.4%) and “Nail in tyre” (2.4%).
Is a 2021 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 94.2% in 2023 to 90.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2021
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2021 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2021 Ford Transit Custom MOT statistics · 2021 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2021 Tesla Model 3 MOT statistics · 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2021 1 Series?
The numbers above cover every 1 Series first used in 2021 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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