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2009 BMW 1 Series: common problems and reliability
· E88An average 1 Series year.
79 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 1 Series?The 2009 BMW 1 Series has 79 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and exterior lighting. Owners most often flag electrical system failures (dash lights: loss of ac, indicators, windows, central locking while driving).
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 BMW 1 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 1 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the 1 Series?
Across the 10 1 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2005) to 158 (2011). With 79 complaints, the 2009 1 Series sits above the model's median of 50.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2009 1 Series
seat belts:front:retractor
Campaign 10V254000BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Campaign 12E029000This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
What owners report on the E88 1 Series
Owners of the E88 1 Series convertible express a mix of enthusiasm for its driving character and frustration with electrical gremlins and maintenance costs.
- Very frequentElectrical system failures (dash lights
Loss of AC, indicators, windows, central locking while driving)
- Very frequentBattery drain or failure, often due to short trips or infrequent use
- RecurrentAlternator failure causing charging system faults
- RecurrentLoose or corroded battery terminal connections
- RecurrentKeyless entry receiver failure (located in rearview mirror on convertibles)
Owner insights for the E88 1 Series. Read the full E88 owner report.
Typical used price
Used 1 Series listings typically run $9,367–$13,487 across 2008 to 2013 model years.
Other 1 Series model years
Compare every 1 Series year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 1 Series against its rivals
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