BMW 120

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 86,600 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests

86,600

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (95%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 120

The BMW 120 was MOT tested 86,600 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2004 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 84%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95% from 483 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 76%. With a 19 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 120s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 127,612 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 28,181 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 120 is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,852

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the BMW 120?

vs average of all models+2% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-4% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread19 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 120 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	483	28,181 mi
2020	92%	1,544	34,573 mi
2019	91%	1,402	40,327 mi
2018	88%	2,782	51,035 mi
2017	89%	4,400	60,816 mi
2016	88%	6,285	70,978 mi
2015	87%	7,182	80,308 mi
2014	85%	6,016	94,560 mi
2013	84%	4,844	94,843 mi
2012	81%	5,511	100,642 mi
2011	81%	7,312	105,780 mi
2010	79%	7,884	109,003 mi
2009	80%	7,071	113,731 mi
2008	78%	8,671	117,236 mi
2007	78%	4,860	126,038 mi
2006	76%	4,412	139,019 mi
2005	77%	4,504	139,808 mi
2004	77%	1,437	127,612 mi

Questions about the BMW 120

Is the BMW 120 reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2004 to 2021), the BMW 120 averages an 84% MOT pass rate, from 86,600 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 95%.

Which year BMW 120 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 120 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 76%, a 19 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.