BMW Alpina (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 112 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,131
£178/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £2,131/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
97% of MOT tests on BMW Alpinas from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 112 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 32,032 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,032
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 BMW Alpina had 32,032 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2020 scores 97%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
BMW Alpina by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 91% | 186 | 26,604 mi | |
| 2020 | 97% | 112 | 32,032 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 170 | 37,777 mi | |
| 2018 | 98% | 127 | 43,619 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 87 | 53,539 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 130 | 53,465 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 181 | 65,952 mi | |
| 2014 | 93% | 120 | 93,182 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 64 | 98,526 mi | |
| 2012 | 95% | 102 | 98,683 mi | |
| 2011 | 86% | 176 | 94,377 mi | |
| 2010 | 90% | 188 | 109,791 mi | |
| 2009 | 82% | 223 | 114,033 mi | |
| 2008 | 90% | 217 | 102,557 mi | |
| 2007 | 87% | 313 | 140,615 mi | |
| 2006 | 95% | 151 | 148,080 mi | |
| 2005 | 92% | 90 | 87,087 mi | |
| 2004 | 86% | 163 | 74,830 mi | |
| 2003 | 91% | 85 | 97,621 mi | |
| 2002 | 86% | 120 | 104,917 mi | |
| 2001 | 81% | 80 | 110,085 mi | |
| 2000 | 88% | 108 | 112,393 mi | |
| 1999 | 86% | 79 | 110,744 mi | |
| 1998 | 75% | 79 | 132,265 mi | |
| 1997 | 96% | 47 | 131,015 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 BMW Alpina
The 2020 BMW Alpina is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2993cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 112 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2020 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 32,032 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Alpina owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 BMW Alpina Fuel Costs
The 2993cc 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 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 2020 BMW Alpina?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,131 (£178/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW Alpina Reliability Trend
Newer BMW Alpinas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2020 BMW Alpina
At 6 years old, the BMW Alpina offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2020 BMW Alpina 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 Alpina(2020) | 97% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131 |
| Mercedes E(2019) | 90% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Mercedes GLC(2018) | 91% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
| Ford Ranger(2019) | 87% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 35-50 | £2,281+£150 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar(2018) | 91% | £1,676 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,131same |
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 2020 BMW Alpina
Is the 2020 BMW Alpina reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 97% of MOT tests on 2020 BMW Alpinas ended in a pass, from 112 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 BMW Alpina cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,131 a year (£178 a month): £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 BMW Alpina?
97% of 112 MOT tests on the 2020 BMW Alpina ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 238th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (top 10%).
Which year BMW Alpina has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 BMW Alpina has the highest MOT pass rate at 98% and the 2009 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 BMW Alpina?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 BMW Alpina is 32,032 miles, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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