BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2025): what fails at MOT
Across 31,214 MOT tests of the BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2025) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 10.6% failed — about 1 in 9. The parts that fail most are tyres (6.2% of tests), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.7%), lights and electrics (1.5%), brakes (1.0%) and exhaust, fuel and emissions (0.3%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the 1 Series F40 has 14% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. That puts it last of the three BMW 1 Series generations on MOT results; the 1 Series E87 (2004–2011) does best.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
1 Series F40 (2019–2025)
MOT: 10.6% of 31,214 initial tests failed — 14% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 6.2% |
| 2 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 1.7% |
| 3 | lights and electrics | 1.5% |
| 4 | brakes | 1.0% |
| 5 | exhaust, fuel and emissions | 0.3% |
Questions
What fails most on a BMW 1 Series F40 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 6.2% of BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.7%) and lights and electrics (1.5%).
How often does a BMW 1 Series F40 fail its MOT?
10.6% of BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 9), counting initial tests only, across 31,214 tests.
Is the BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2025) reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW 1 Series F40 has 14% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this BMW 1 Series F40 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.