BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 83 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2979cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2427/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2979cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 89% of BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 83 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 91,663 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
91,663
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE has 91,663 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE
The 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 83 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 91,663 miles at 14 years old, BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE Fuel Costs
The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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.
Buying a Used 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE
At 14 years old, the BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE 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. Note: with only 83 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 92k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2012 BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW ACTIVE HYBRID SE(2012) | 89% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| LEXUS RX450H(2010) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£180 |
| LEXUS RX 450H LUXURY CVT(2013) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£330 |
| TOYOTA ALPHARD(2010) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£330 |
| LEXUS RX 450H F SPORT CVT(2013) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£180 |
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.
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