BMW 420 (2015)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 23,559 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1997cc11 years old23,559 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on BMW 420s from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 23,559 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,955 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2015 models186th of 515(top half)

Rank among BMW models877th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2015 models average+5%(83% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,955

Average miles

66,600

Expected for age

The average 2015 BMW 420 had 82,955 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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%. The 2015 scores 88%. 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

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-10%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-16%

BMW 3 Series

2015 · 1499cc Petrol

£2,078/year

88%

same

Mercedes C

2014 · 1595cc Petrol

£2,078/year

85%

-3%

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About the 2015 BMW 420

The 2015 BMW 420 is a premium car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 23,559 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 82,955 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 420 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2015 BMW 420 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc 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 2015 BMW 420?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2015 BMW 420

At 11 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 23,559 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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 11 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

Medium risk

With an average of 83k 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 2015 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(2015)	88%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
BMW 3 Series(2015)	88%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
Mercedes C(2014)	85%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

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 2015 BMW 420

Is the 2015 BMW 420 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2015 BMW 420s ended in a pass, from 23,559 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2015 BMW 420 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2015 BMW 420?

88% of 23,559 MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 420 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 186th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (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 2015 BMW 420?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 420 is 82,955 miles, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.