BMW 420 (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,309 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1995cc13 years old1,309 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,078

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

85% 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.

85% of MOT tests on BMW 420s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 1,309 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,720 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models252nd of 588(top half)

Rank among BMW models1119th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+5%(80% avg)

vs BMW average-3%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,720

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 BMW 420 had 99,720 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 85%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 420 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	94%	730	28,172 mi
2020	92%	6,832	32,973 mi
2019	90%	16,835	41,885 mi
2018	91%	22,374	51,167 mi
2017	90%	25,467	64,302 mi
2016	89%	25,224	75,338 mi
2015	88%	23,559	82,955 mi
2014	86%	18,990	89,334 mi
2013	85%	1,309	99,720 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,078/year

89%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,228/year

79%

-6%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,795/year

88%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,078/year

85%

same

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About the 2013 BMW 420

The 2013 BMW 420 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,309 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 99,720 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 420 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2013 BMW 420 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 £1,398 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2013 BMW 420?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 420 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 420s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2013 BMW 420

At 13 years old, the BMW 420 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.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 100k 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 2013 BMW 420 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 420(2013)	85%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,078
Volkswagen Golf(2015)	89%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,078same
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,228+£150
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,220	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,795-£283
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,398	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,078same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 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 2013 BMW 420

Is the 2013 BMW 420 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2013 BMW 420s ended in a pass, from 1,309 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 BMW 420 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 2013 BMW 420?

85% of 1,309 MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 420 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 252nd of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top half).

Which year BMW 420 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 420 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2013 the lowest at 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2013 BMW 420?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 420 is 99,720 miles, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.