BMW 320 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,533 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
2,533
Avg Mileage
29,483 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2021 BMW 320 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 3 years old, 92% of BMW 320s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,533 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 29,483 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW 320 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW 320 has 29,483 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a BMW 320?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 BMW 320 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BMW 320?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 BMW 320
The 2021 BMW 320 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 2,533 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 29,483 miles at 3 years old, BMW 320 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 BMW 320 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 BMW 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 320 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 320s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 BMW 320
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2021 BMW 320
The BMW 320 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 93,803 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 72,831 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2019) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 65,751 tests
- FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM (2019) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 59,814 tests