BMW 120 (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,071 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
7,071
Avg Mileage
113,731 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 2009 BMW 120 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 15 years old, 80% of BMW 120s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,071 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,731 miles.
How does the 2009 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 BMW 120 has 113,731 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 2009 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 2009 BMW 120
The 2009 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc petrol engine. 7,071 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 113,731 miles at 15 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 BMW 120
At 15 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.
Alternatives to the 2009 BMW 120
The BMW 120 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2011) 75% pass rate (-5%) from 115,331 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2011) 69% pass rate (-11%) from 65,488 tests
- MINI MINI (2010) 80% pass rate (same) from 59,218 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (same) from 55,686 tests