2004 BMW 1 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Flexible brake hoses3.9× usual
  BMW 1 Series

  22.1% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  BMW 1 Series

  29.4% All 2004 cars

  14.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  BMW 1 Series

  14% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% 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.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol

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.

• Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults

  Some cars

  Faults to have been fixed: loose rear control arm joints (built May to Sept 2004), a leaking brake servo seal (built March 2006) and airbag and seatbelt wiring (built May to July 2008).

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding work.

  Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 BMW 1 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?