BMW 120 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,504 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
4,504
Avg Mileage
139,808 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2005 BMW 120 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 19 years old, 77% of BMW 120s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,504 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 139,808 miles.
How does the 2005 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 BMW 120 has 139,808 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 120?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2005 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 2005 BMW 120 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 120 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 120?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2005 BMW 120
The 2005 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc petrol engine. 4,504 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 139,808 miles at 19 years old, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 BMW 120 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 120 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 120s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 BMW 120
At 19 years old, the BMW 120 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 2005 BMW 120
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2007) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 77,121 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+3%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2007) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 53,763 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2007) 68% pass rate (-9%) from 41,223 tests