BMW 120 (2019)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,402 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
1,402
Avg Mileage
40,327 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2019 BMW 120 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 91% of BMW 120s from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,402 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,327 miles.
How does the 2019 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2019 BMW 120 has 40,327 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2019 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2019 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 2019 BMW 120
The 2019 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,402 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 40,327 miles at 5 years old, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2019 BMW 120 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2019 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2019 BMW 120
At 5 years old, the BMW 120 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 2019 BMW 120
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2017) 89% pass rate (-2%) from 109,241 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (+1%) from 89,653 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (-1%) from 67,605 tests
- MINI COOPER (2018) 92% pass rate (+1%) from 55,706 tests