BMW 125 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 351 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,211

£184/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,211/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol1997cc15 years old351 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,211

Per month£184/mo

Per week£43/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

91% of MOT tests on BMW 125s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 351 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,122 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models86th of 595(top 15%)

Rank among BMW models610th of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+14%(77% avg)

vs BMW average+3%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

79,122

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW 125 had 79,122 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 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 83%. The 2011 scores 91%. 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

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-13%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-19%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

-12%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-11%

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About the 2011 BMW 125

The 2011 BMW 125 is a premium car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 351 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 79,122 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 125 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 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 2011 BMW 125?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,211 (£184/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2011 BMW 125

At 15 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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 15 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.

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 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(2011)	91%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,211
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£17
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£17
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511+£300
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£133

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 2011 BMW 125

Is the 2011 BMW 125 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2011 BMW 125s ended in a pass, from 351 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 BMW 125 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,211 a year (£184 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2011 BMW 125?

91% of 351 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 125 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 86th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 15%).

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 2011 BMW 125?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 125 is 79,122 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.