MOT failure data · 2025
BMW 1 Series MOT problems
Across every BMW 1 Series that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, on 7.35% of failure items. The broadest problem area was tyres at 22.28%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common BMW 1 Series MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 7.35% |
| 2 | Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.4% |
| 3 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.72% |
| 4 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.58% |
| 5 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 4.08% |
| 6 | Linkage ball joint dust cover ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Suspension | 4.08% |
| 7 | Condition has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 3.97% |
| 8 | Condition has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.11% |
| 9 | Washers provides insufficient washer liquid | Visibility | 2.73% |
| 10 | Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.56% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a BMW 1 Series, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used BMW 1 Series buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific BMW 1 Series?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other BMW models
- BMW 3 Series MOT problems
- BMW 118 MOT problems
- BMW X1 MOT problems
- BMW X3 MOT problems
- BMW 116 MOT problems
- BMW X5 MOT problems
BMW 1 Series MOT FAQs
What does a BMW 1 Series most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on BMW 1 Series cars failing their 2025 MOT was "tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", appearing on 7.35% of failure items.
Does this mean my BMW 1 Series will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every BMW 1 Series that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The BMW 1 Series passed 81.74% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific BMW 1 Series's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate · used BMW 1 Series buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.