BMW 120 (2015)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,182 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
7,182
Avg Mileage
80,308 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 2015 BMW 120 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 87% of BMW 120s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,182 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,308 miles.
How does the 2015 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2015 BMW 120 has 80,308 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2015 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 2015 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 2015 BMW 120
The 2015 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1598cc petrol engine. 7,182 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 80,308 miles at 9 years old, BMW 120 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2015 BMW 120 Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2015 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2015 BMW 120
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 7,182 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2015 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:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-1%) from 100,176 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2015) 82% pass rate (-5%) from 94,129 tests