BMW 320

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 21 model years from 79,319 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

86%

Total Tests

79,319

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (92%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 320

The BMW 320 was MOT tested 79,319 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 21 model years (1990 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 86%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 14,440 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. With a 18 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 320s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 111,395 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 22,624 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,086

Per month£174/mo

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 2022 details

How reliable is the BMW 320?

vs average of all models+4% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-2% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread18 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 320 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	97%	61	22,624 mi
2021	92%	2,533	29,483 mi
2020	92%	9,105	34,897 mi
2019	92%	14,440	42,764 mi
2018	91%	17,053	59,320 mi
2017	90%	26,367	71,271 mi
2016	90%	6,365	78,781 mi
2015	90%	555	79,550 mi
2014	85%	441	82,085 mi
2013	89%	611	77,974 mi
2012	83%	409	87,516 mi
2011	87%	260	84,622 mi
2010	86%	291	91,150 mi
2009	81%	162	104,384 mi
2008	84%	177	101,514 mi
2007	79%	167	121,206 mi
2006	74%	145	143,980 mi
2005	73%	63	128,780 mi
2004	82%	49	131,336 mi
2003	77%	30	119,901 mi
1990	86%	35	111,395 mi

Questions about the BMW 320

Is the BMW 320 reliable?

Across its 21 model years in our data (1990 to 2022), the BMW 320 averages an 86% MOT pass rate, from 79,319 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year BMW 320 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW 320 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%, a 18 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.