BMW 1 Series first generation
The BMW 1 Series first generation (2008–2013): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 9 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: E81, E82, E87, E88 · Sold in: United States and Canada
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,230–4,360 mm RDW | 4,370–4,380 mm TC | 4,227–4,380 mm |
| Width | 1,750–1,770 mm RDW | 1,750–1,800 mm TC | 1,748–1,803 mm |
| Height | 1,410–1,430 mm RDW | 1,410–1,420 mm TC | 1,420–1,430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660–2,690 mm RDW | 2,660 mm TC | 2,660 mm |
| Front track | 1,470–1,484 mm ASTRA | 1,460–1,540 mm TC | – |
| Rear track | 1,477–1,517 mm ASTRA | 1,480–1,540 mm TC | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | – | 1,455–1,660 kg TC | 1,245–1,540 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,280–1,505 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,705–1,885 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,200 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 635–710 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 2–4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 227–283 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,209–2,435 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 200–228 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 160–400 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/40R18, 195/55R16, 205/55R16, 245/35R18, 205/50R17, 225/45R17, 215/40R18, 205/45R18
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Transport Canada vehicle specifications, Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–12 years | 80.3% (80.1–80.5) | 77.9% | 247,524 |
| 13 years and older | 74.8% (74.6–74.9) | 69.2% | 248,689 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 34.1% | 31.2% |
| Brakes | 33.8% | 31.9% |
| Suspension | 27.6% | 34.5% |
| Lights and electrics | 18.5% | 23.2% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 11.0% | 10.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.2% | 12.4% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
435 complaints for model years 2008–2013. 10 crashes · 17 fires · 5 injuries
- Airbags 169
- Engine 104
- Fuel system 64
- Electrical system 57
- Lights 36
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 9 versions of the BMW 1 Series first generation
United States 6 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 240–251 g/km |
| 2013SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automated manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 268–269 g/km |
| 2012–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 257–263 g/km |
| 2008–2013 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 251–276 g/km |
| 2011–2012SIDI | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2008–20113MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 251–276 g/km |
Canada 3 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.4–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–267 g/km |
| 2008–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.2–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235–271 g/km |
| 2011–2013Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 7-speed automated manual | 11.4–11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 262–265 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.