BMW 123
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 7,518 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests
7,518
Highest Pass Rate
2010 (83%)
Years Covered
7
About the BMW 123
The BMW 123 was MOT tested 7,518 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (2007 to 2013), with an average pass rate of 82%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 83% from 1,174 tests. The 2007 model has the lowest at 80%. With just a 3 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The BMW 123 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2007) averages 135,980 miles, while the newest (2013) averages 87,035 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 123 is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2013 detailsHow reliable is the BMW 123?
BMW 123 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the BMW 123
Is the BMW 123 reliable?
Across its 7 model years in our data (2007 to 2013), the BMW 123 averages an 82% MOT pass rate, from 7,518 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2010 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 83%.
Which year BMW 123 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 BMW 123 has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 80%, a 3 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer BMW 123s more reliable?
The BMW 123 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
BMW 123 Guides & Articles
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