2011 BMW 120d: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 120d first registered in 2011: we looked at the 8,454 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 BMW 120d?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 BMW 120d than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Shock absorbers2.9× usualBMW 120d20.2% All 2011 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 1.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Coil springs: 3.9% here, against 9.2% of all 2011 cars. Engine oil leaks: 2.3% here, against 7.5% of all 2011 cars.
Common 2011 BMW 120d MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 BMW 120d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres35% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension33% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes27% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering3% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults on the 2011 BMW 120d
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Diesel
EGR valve leak (diesel)
The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall work was done. Watch for a strange smell or rough running.
Engine and lights cutting out
An electrical fault could cut the engine and exterior lights. There have been three recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recall work. Flickering lights on the dash can be an early sign.
Propshaft joint
The front propshaft joint can fail and leave the car stranded.
At the viewing: Listen for clunks or vibration from under the middle of the car.
Water getting in
Blocked drains at the base of the windscreen can let water damage the electrics. Lights can mist up inside.
At the viewing: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 BMW 120d
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the BMW recall work, including the EGR valve, been done?
- Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2011 BMW 120d as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 120d?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 120d compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 281 | Tyres 16% |
| 2021 | 905 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 2,284 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 1,181 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 2,327 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 4,873 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 7,906 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 9,197 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 8,937 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 6,634 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 6,676 | Tyres 34% |
| 2010 | 8,725 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 7,598 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 8,745 | Brakes 45% |
| 2007 | 5,897 | Brakes 48% |
| 2006 | 5,693 | Brakes 52% |
| 2005 | 5,767 | Brakes 51% |
| 2004 | 1,447 | Brakes 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 120d cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score