BMW 120 (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,544 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
1,544
Avg Mileage
34,573 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2020 BMW 120 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 4 years old, 92% of BMW 120s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,544 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 34,573 miles.
How does the 2020 BMW 120 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 BMW 120 has 34,573 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-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 2020 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2020 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 2020 BMW 120
The 2020 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 1,544 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 34,573 miles at 4 years old, BMW 120 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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).
What does it cost to own a 2020 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2020 BMW 120
At 4 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 2020 BMW 120
The BMW 120 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2018) 92% pass rate (same) from 111,972 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 93,803 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-8%) from 79,867 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 72,831 tests