BMW 120 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 483 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,487
£124/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £1487/year to run. 13 points above average.
Check a specific BMW 120
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this BMW 120
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 5 years old, 95% of BMW 120s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 483 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 28,181 miles.
Got a BMW 120 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
28,181
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 BMW 120 has 28,181 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific BMW 120?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Bmw 120
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2021 BMW 120
The 2021 BMW 120 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 483 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 28,181 miles at 5 years old, BMW 120 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 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 2021 BMW 120?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,487 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% 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 2021 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 BMW 120's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 BMW 120 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 120(2021) | 95% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1487 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Bmw Models
Explore other Bmw cars or similar models in the same category.
BMW 3 SERIES
2013 · 1995cc Diesel
BMW 5 SERIES
2018 · 2998cc Petrol
BMW 116
2014 · 1995cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Bmw 120.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
MaintenanceHow to Prepare for Your MOT: 20 Checks That Could Save You Money
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific BMW 120
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a BMW 120? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data