BMW 116 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 14,552 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1995cc14 years old14,552 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

81% of MOT tests on BMW 116s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 14,552 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 98,817 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models339th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among BMW models1285th of 1,548(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+3%(78% avg)

vs BMW average-7%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,817

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 BMW 116 had 98,817 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2012 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 116 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	66	28,603 mi
2021	92%	2,886	35,245 mi
2020	92%	5,141	44,251 mi
2019	88%	2,802	50,343 mi
2018	89%	4,387	58,950 mi
2017	88%	16,193	68,625 mi
2016	86%	22,967	78,552 mi
2015	85%	28,417	82,890 mi
2014	85%	39,076	86,633 mi
2013	84%	22,205	92,870 mi
2012	81%	14,552	98,817 mi
2011	80%	12,733	102,932 mi
2010	79%	11,573	107,394 mi
2009	78%	10,634	103,948 mi
2008	78%	4,773	98,095 mi
2007	77%	5,414	108,373 mi
2006	77%	5,542	111,975 mi
2005	75%	2,666	110,359 mi
2004	76%	896	110,096 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-2%

Audi A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

86%

+5%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-7%

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About the 2012 BMW 116

The 2012 BMW 116 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 14,552 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 98,817 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 116 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 BMW 116 Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 BMW 116?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 116 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 116s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 BMW 116

At 14 years old, the BMW 116 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 14,552 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 99k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 BMW 116 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 116(2012)	81%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2014)	86%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 BMW 116

Is the 2012 BMW 116 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2012 BMW 116s ended in a pass, from 14,552 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 BMW 116 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 BMW 116?

81% of 14,552 MOT tests on the 2012 BMW 116 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 339th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year BMW 116 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 116 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2005 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 BMW 116?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 BMW 116 is 98,817 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.