BMW 123 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,022 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1995cc15 years old1,022 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

83% of MOT tests on BMW 123s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 1,022 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,184 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models233rd of 595(top half)

Rank among BMW models1216th of 1,548(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+6%(77% avg)

vs BMW average-5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

107,184

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW 123 had 107,184 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2011 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 123 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	84%	94	87,035 mi
2012	82%	315	93,537 mi
2011	83%	1,022	107,184 mi
2010	83%	1,174	115,797 mi
2009	82%	1,885	123,823 mi
2008	80%	2,643	130,829 mi
2007	80%	385	135,980 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2013 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,795/year

85%

+2%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,228/year

79%

-4%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,945/year

74%

-9%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,078/year

85%

+2%

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About the 2011 BMW 123

The 2011 BMW 123 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,022 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 107,184 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 123 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 BMW 123 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 £1,398 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 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 2011 BMW 123?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 123 Reliability Trend

The BMW 123 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2011 BMW 123

At 15 years old, the BMW 123 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 83%.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 107k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2011 BMW 123 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 123(2011)	83%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,078
Volkswagen Golf(2013)	85%	£1,220	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,795-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,228+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,220	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,945-£133
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,078same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 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 2011 BMW 123

Is the 2011 BMW 123 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2011 BMW 123s ended in a pass, from 1,022 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 BMW 123 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 BMW 123?

83% of 1,022 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 123 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 233rd of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top half).

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% and the 2007 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 BMW 123?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 123 is 107,184 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.