2009 BMW 1 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern exterior lighting; the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 1 series. While driving 25 mph, the contact activated the air conditioner, but no air flowed into the vehicle. The contact smelled an electronic burning odor and turned off the air conditioner. The vehicle was taken to bmw of bayside (located at 266 e shore rd, great neck, ny 11023, (516) 304-3700) where the contact was informed to call the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 108,657.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2019
“I was driving 40mph and then suddenly all light controls lit up on my dashboard after I noticed I was not able to accelerate, then my windshield wipers came on slowly without myself operating them , as my car came to a complete stop/engine off. After calling road side assistance and waiting 10 mins, the vehicle restarted. Recently repaired pvc recall and uncertain if pcv was detrimental to other components that were not replaced due to the pcv. Battery read as good per mechanic.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2018
“Right rear roadside parking and tail lamp led failed. These lamps should not fail within this time frame. I was not aware of this issue until I was waming up car and cleaning off snow when I saw the difference.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“We received notice of the airbags recall over three months ago, and have been told by dealer, reeves bmw, that the promise parts were to be received by end of summer, are not yet received and they cannot repair vehicle.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2016
“I have a 2009 528i . While going down the road my headlights when on lowbeams go out . The brights work but not the lowbeams the car control says lowbeam malfunction . First it was the left light and then the rightfront. I have not had this car long and its a wonderful car. But this is not safe and need to know if there has been any recalls for this or what can be done.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2016
“Takata recall we were advised by letter in february 2016 that our model had a defective airbag, and that we would be notified when a solution was available. It is now september and still no notice from bmw. Considering the fact that older model cars and cars in damp humid climates (we live in florida) would receive first priority, shouldn't we have heard back from bmw by now?”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 123-I. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Takata recall. Nothing has happen just want my airbags replaced been waiting a long, long time and I haven't heard a thing on recall repairs”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Takata recall: my driver air bag have yet to be replaced. This is from february 5, 2016. I can't drive my car outside of my town for fear of an accident. This is a sin!!! It's been almost a year. I am even worried about driving in town but trusting my lord and savior for my life safety. Takata needs to get the job done for all of us. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“For last 16 months bmw of north america has not fix the problem on expense of my own safety. When visited bmw dealership they say that bmw has no solution to resolve this problem yet. I am driving every day this car compromising my own safety. When I want to sell this car I can't get fair value price due to the recall problem. Potential buyer check car safety recall and do not buy car which is listed as a unsafe. Bmw ignore all problems.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
Recalls - 2 campaigns
BMW 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.
Remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
This 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.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
How other years compare
Check your exact 1 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 1 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW 1 Series. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting.
Does the 2009 BMW 1 Series have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:retractor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.