BMW 120 (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 7,071 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1995cc17 years old7,071 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1995cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

80% 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%.

80% of MOT tests on BMW 120s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 7,071 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,731 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models198th of 555(top half)

Rank among BMW models1329th of 1,548(bottom 15%)

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

vs 2009 models average+6%(74% avg)

vs BMW average-8%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,731

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 BMW 120 had 113,731 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2009 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

75%

-5%

Nissan Qashqai

2011 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,711/year

69%

-11%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

same

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

same

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About the 2009 BMW 120

The 2009 BMW 120 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 7,071 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 113,731 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2009 BMW 120?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 120 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.

Buying a Used 2009 BMW 120

At 17 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%. With 7,071 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Watch out

With an average of 114k 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 2009 BMW 120 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 120(2009)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2011)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2011)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£350
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

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 2009 BMW 120

Is the 2009 BMW 120 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2009 BMW 120s ended in a pass, from 7,071 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 BMW 120 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2009 BMW 120?

80% of 7,071 MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 120 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 198th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top half).

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% and the 2006 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 BMW 120?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 120 is 113,731 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.