How much does a 2013 BMW 120 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 BMW 120?

The 2013 BMW 120 has a 84% MOT pass rate based on 4,844 tests in 2026. This ranks 299 out of 626 cars from 2013.

Which year BMW 120 is most reliable?

The 2021 BMW 120 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 76%.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 BMW 120?

The average mileage for a 2013 BMW 120 is 94,843 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 120 (2013)

Q: Is the 2013 BMW 120 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of BMW 120s from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 4,844 tests. That's 2 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,844 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,707

£142/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1995cc13 years old4,844 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1995cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,707

Per month£142/mo

Per week£33/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 13 years old, 84% of BMW 120s from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,844 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,843 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 cars299th of 626(top 48%)

Rank among BMW models1163th of 1,564(top 74%)

vs national average+2%(82% avg)

vs 2013 cars average+4%(80% avg)

vs BMW average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,843

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2013 BMW 120 has 94,843 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2013 sits between the two at 84%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£1,577/year

89%

+5%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

-5%

AUDI A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

88%

+4%

BMW 3 SERIES

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,577/year

85%

+1%

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About the 2013 BMW 120

The 2013 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 4,844 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 94,843 miles at 13 years old, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 BMW 120 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2013 BMW 120?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 2013 BMW 120

At 13 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2013 BMW 120's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 95k 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 2013 BMW 120 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 120(2013)	84%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1707
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2015)	89%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£20
AUDI A3(2015)	88%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2013)	85%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£130

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.