BMW 120D Sport Auto (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 60 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
92% of MOT tests on BMW 120D Sport Autos from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 60 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 35,789 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
35,789
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto had 35,789 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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About the 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto
The 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 60 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 35,789 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 120D Sport Auto owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 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.
Buying a Used 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto
At 6 years old, the BMW 120D Sport Auto offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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
Watch outExhaust 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 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 120D Sport Auto(2020) | 92% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2018) | 92% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852same |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2018) | 84% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Ford Kuga(2019) | 91% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto
Is the 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2020 BMW 120D Sport Autos ended in a pass, from 60 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto?
92% of 60 MOT tests on the 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1450th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 BMW 120D Sport Auto is 35,789 miles, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related BMW Models
Explore other BMW cars or similar models in the same category.
BMW 3 Series
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BMW 5 Series
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BMW 116
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Volkswagen Golf
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2018 · 1598cc Diesel
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