BMW 1-SERIES (2004–2026)
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BMW 1-SERIES (2004–2026) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 2004–2026 · all production years covered on this single page
2026
🚗 Bmw 1-SERIES 2026
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026). Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (20)
NHTSA R/2012/081
Eps May Not Perform As Specified
Date: 30-07-2012
Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be mai…
NHTSA R/2004/172
Connections On The Control Arm To The Rear Axle May Become Loose
Date: 29-09-2004
The rear axle control arms may not have been fitted as intended. In consequence the connections on the control arms concerned may become loose causing unacceptable lateral forces to be applied to the securing bolts. In this situation exact alignment of the wheels can no longer be…
NHTSA R/2014/068
Engine Emergency Mode May Be Activated During Driving
Date: 28-07-2014
The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the e…
NHTSA R/2025/443
Date: 23-10-2025
On affected vehicles either one or both of the outer most rear seats may not have been manufactured correctly and the sensitivity sensor may be deformed. If the sensor is not functioning correctly there is a risk the seat belt may not operate as intended.
NHTSA R/2022/255
Date: 22-08-2022
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
NHTSA R/2016/300
Power Steering May Not Perform Correctly
Date: 21-12-2016
The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Ad…
NHTSA R/2025/349
Date: 18-12-2025
Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may c…
NHTSA R/2020/179
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation Module Cooler Could Leak Over Time
Date: 17-08-2020
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time
NHTSA R/2021/064
The Blower Regulator Wiring Could Be Damaged And Could Lead To Partial Contact Of Individual Wire Strands
Date: 15-03-2021
The blower-regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands.
NHTSA R/2017/132
Driveshaft Universal Joint May Break
Date: 11-04-2017
Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
NHTSA R/2017/114
Plug In Contact Cable May Malfunction
Date: 10-04-2017
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is…
NHTSA R/2021/037
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Could Leak Over Time
Date: 09-02-2021
Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
NHTSA R/2015/109
Engine May Stall
Date: 08-06-2015
The in tank fuel pump may contain sub components that have not been correctly nickel plated. This may cause excessive friction leading to the fuel pump being inoperative. The driver may experience a no start condition or in the worst case an engine stall. A warning lamp and error…
NHTSA R/2018/341
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Module Cooler Could Leak
Date: 07-12-2018
The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
NHTSA R/2018/132
Plug In Contact Cable May Malfunction
Date: 07-06-2018
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the …
NHTSA R/2018/258
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Could Potentially Leak Over Time
Date: 05-11-2018
The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
NHTSA R/2013/080
Loss Of Drive
Date: 05-07-2013
It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur …
NHTSA R/2018/027
Backrest Could Fold Forward Under Heavy Load
Date: 05-02-2018
The latching element of the Easy Entry Kit on the driver's seat does not lock correctly into the lower swinging arm. As a result the backrest could fold under heavy load such as in a collision or unsecured load in the rear and harsh braking.
NHTSA R/2010/102
Fire May Occur
Date: 04-08-2010
The top seat belt automatic reel with pyrotechnic ignited pre-tensioner fitted is mounted too close to the sound insulation both nearside and offside. If the vehicle is involved in a substantial collision where the pre-tensioners are deployed a fire may occur as it is possible fo…
NHTSA R/2013/024
Engine May Cut Out
Date: 04-04-2013
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
58 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Run-Flat Warning (BMW) (Bmw)Tyres
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
CBS — Brake Fluid (BMW) (Bmw)Brakes
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
CBS — Oil Service (BMW) (Bmw)Engine
iDrive System Fault (Bmw)Electrical
DSC OFF (BMW) (Bmw)Chassis
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
Frequently Asked Questions
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Have a specific fault code on your Bmw 1-Series (2004–2026)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.