BMW 120 (2014)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,016 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
6,016
Avg Mileage
94,560 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2014 BMW 120 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 85% of BMW 120s from 2014 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,016 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,560 miles.
How does the 2014 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2014 BMW 120 has 94,560 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2014 sits between the two at 85%.
How much does a 2014 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 2014 BMW 120
The 2014 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 6,016 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2014, the average MOT pass rate is 81%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 94,560 miles at 10 years old, BMW 120 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2014 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 2014 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2014 BMW 120
At 10 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 6,016 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2014 BMW 120
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2015) 89% pass rate (+4%) from 121,777 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-6%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2015) 88% pass rate (+3%) from 80,797 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2016) 80% pass rate (-5%) from 78,382 tests