BMW 120 (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,285 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
6,285
Avg Mileage
70,978 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 2016 BMW 120 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 88% of BMW 120s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,285 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,978 miles.
How does the 2016 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 BMW 120 has 70,978 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2016 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 2016 BMW 120
The 2016 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1598cc petrol engine. 6,285 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 70,978 miles at 8 years old, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 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 2016 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 88% 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 2016 BMW 120
At 8 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 6,285 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 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 (-10%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-8%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-2%) from 100,176 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2015) 82% pass rate (-6%) from 94,129 tests