BMW 420 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 25,224 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,843

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4000cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,843/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

£1,678

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,843

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on BMW 420s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 25,224 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,338 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models213th of 539(top half)

Rank among BMW models772nd of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+4%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

75,338

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 420 had 75,338 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 89%. 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

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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+1%

Land Rover Range Rover

2014 · 4367cc Diesel

£2,693/year

90%

+1%

Audi Q7

2018 · 4000cc Diesel

£2,283/year

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same

Bentley Bentayga

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£2,133/year

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About the 2016 BMW 420

The 2016 BMW 420 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 25,224 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 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 75,338 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 420 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

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 £1,678 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 2016 BMW 420?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,843 (£237/month), broken down as £1,678 fuel, £760 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 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 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

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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 420(2016)	89%	£1,678	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,843
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2015)	90%	£1,678	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,693-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(2014)	90%	£1,678	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,693-£150
Audi Q7(2018)	89%	£1,678	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,283-£560
Bentley Bentayga(2018)	97%	£1,678	£200	Grp 35-50	£2,133-£710

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 2016 BMW 420

Is the 2016 BMW 420 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW 420s ended in a pass, from 25,224 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 BMW 420 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,843 a year (£237 a month): £1,678 fuel, £760 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 2016 BMW 420?

89% of 25,224 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 420 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 213th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 BMW 420?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 420 is 75,338 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.