BMW 125 (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 684 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1997cc17 years old684 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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.

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 125s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 684 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,858 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models149th of 555(top half)

Rank among BMW models1219th of 1,548(bottom 22%)

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

vs 2009 models average+9%(74% avg)

vs BMW average-5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,858

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 BMW 125 had 85,858 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 83%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 125 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	93%	70	53,948 mi
2018	90%	213	51,476 mi
2017	93%	981	62,913 mi
2016	90%	1,122	69,328 mi
2015	89%	1,937	81,292 mi
2014	87%	1,273	91,075 mi
2013	85%	992	95,378 mi
2012	88%	451	99,940 mi
2011	91%	351	79,122 mi
2010	86%	646	85,770 mi
2009	83%	684	85,858 mi
2008	84%	1,109	92,685 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

75%

-8%

Nissan Qashqai

2011 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,711/year

69%

-14%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-3%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-3%

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About the 2009 BMW 125

The 2009 BMW 125 is a premium car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 684 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 85,858 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 125 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2009 BMW 125 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2009 BMW 125?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 125 Reliability Trend

The BMW 125 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 BMW 125

At 17 years old, the BMW 125 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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 2009 BMW 125 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 125(2009)	83%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2011)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2011)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£350
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

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 2009 BMW 125

Is the 2009 BMW 125 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2009 BMW 125s ended in a pass, from 684 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 2009 BMW 125 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2009 BMW 125?

83% of 684 MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 125 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 149th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top half).

Which year BMW 125 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 BMW 125 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2009 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 BMW 125?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 125 is 85,858 miles, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.