BMW Z1 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 106 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2494cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2494cc36 years old106 tests67k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2494cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

83% of MOT tests on BMW Z1s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 106 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,480 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models67th of 182(top half)

Rank among BMW models1229th of 1,548(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+4%(79% avg)

vs BMW average-5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

67,480

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 BMW Z1 had 67,480 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes 190 E

1992 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-4%

Mercedes 300

1990 · 2968cc Petrol

£2,738/year

84%

+1%

Porsche 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+2%

Toyota MR2

1992 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,561/year

70%

-13%

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About the 1990 BMW Z1

The 1990 BMW Z1 is a premium car. Our records list a 2494cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 106 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 67,480 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Z1 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 BMW Z1 Fuel Costs

The 2494cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 1990 BMW Z1?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 BMW Z1

At 36 years old, the BMW Z1 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.

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 36 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 1990 BMW Z1 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 Z1(1990)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
Mercedes 190 E(1992)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Mercedes 300(1990)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Porsche 944(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Toyota MR2(1992)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177

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 1990 BMW Z1

Is the 1990 BMW Z1 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1990 BMW Z1s ended in a pass, from 106 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 BMW Z1 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1990 BMW Z1?

83% of 106 MOT tests on the 1990 BMW Z1 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 67th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 BMW Z1?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 BMW Z1 is 67,480 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.