BMW 320 (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 162 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2171cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
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%.
81% of MOT tests on BMW 320s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 162 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,384 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
104,384
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 BMW 320 had 104,384 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2009 scores 81%. 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
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About the 2009 BMW 320
The 2009 BMW 320 is a premium car. Our records list a 2171cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 162 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 104,384 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 BMW 320 Fuel Costs
The 2171cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2009 BMW 320
At 17 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%.
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 outAt 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 104k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 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(2009) | 81% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2011) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£447 |
| Audi A3(2010) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£297 |
| Renault Clio(2010) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
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 320
Is the 2009 BMW 320 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2009 BMW 320s ended in a pass, from 162 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 BMW 320 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 320?
81% of 162 MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 187th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (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 2009 BMW 320?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 BMW 320 is 104,384 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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