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BMW 420 (2016)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 25,224 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,385

£199/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4000cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2385/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel4000cc10 years old25,224 tests75k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 4000cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 4000cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,385
Per month£199/mo
Per week£46/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.

At 10 years old, 89% of BMW 420s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 25,224 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,338 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars245th of 586(top 42%)
Rank among BMW models777th of 1,564(top 50%)
vs national average+7%(82% avg)
vs 2016 cars average+4%(85% avg)
vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,338

Average miles

vs

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 420 has 75,338 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 85%. The 2016 sits between the two at 89%.

BMW 420 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202194%73028,172 mi
202092%6,83232,973 mi
201990%16,83541,885 mi
201891%22,37451,167 mi
201790%25,46764,302 mi
201689%25,22475,338 mi
201588%23,55982,955 mi
201486%18,99089,334 mi
201385%1,30999,720 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2016 BMW 420

The 2016 BMW 420 is a premium performance with a 4000cc diesel engine. 25,224 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 75,338 miles at 10 years old, BMW 420 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 BMW 420 Fuel Costs

The 4000cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2016 BMW 420?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,385 199/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 420 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 420s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2016 BMW 420

At 10 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 25,224 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 BMW 420's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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.

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 2016 BMW 420 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW 420(2016)89%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2385
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2015)90%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1750-£635
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2014)90%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1750-£635
AUDI Q7(2018)89%£1245£190Grp 35-50£1840-£545
BENTLEY BENTAYGA(2018)97%£1245£190Grp 35-50£1690-£695

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Bmw Models

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Related Guides

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