BMW 320 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1990cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1990cc36 years old35 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

86% 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.

86% of MOT tests on BMW 320s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,395 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models47th of 182(top half)

Rank among BMW models1104th of 1,548(bottom half)

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

vs 1990 models average+7%(79% avg)

vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,395

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 BMW 320 had 111,395 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1990 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 320 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-6%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

-2%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

-1%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-8%

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About the 1990 BMW 320

The 1990 BMW 320 is a premium car. Our records list a 1990cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 111,395 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 BMW 320 Fuel Costs

The 1990cc 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 1990 BMW 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 320 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.

Buying a Used 1990 BMW 320

At 36 years old, the BMW 320 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 36 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

Watch out

With an average of 111k 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 1990 BMW 320 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 320(1990)	86%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£233
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83

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 1990 BMW 320

Is the 1990 BMW 320 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 1990 BMW 320s ended in a pass, from 35 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.

How much does a 1990 BMW 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 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 1990 BMW 320?

86% of 35 MOT tests on the 1990 BMW 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 47th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

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% and the 2006 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 BMW 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 BMW 320 is 111,395 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.