2012 BMW 120d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 BMW 120d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 BMW 120d than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Shock absorbers2.9× usual
  BMW 120d

  16.6% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.6% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  BMW 120d

  6.2% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Wheels1.8× usual
  BMW 120d

  2.9% All 2012 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Side repeaters2× usual
  BMW 120d

  2.4% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2012 BMW 120d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 BMW 120d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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 electrics
  23% 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 mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  7% 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 2012 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.

• EGR valve leak (diesel)

  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.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

• 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.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

• 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.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

• 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.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 BMW 120d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the BMW recall work, including the EGR valve, been done?
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 BMW 120d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2012 BMW 120d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 BMW 120d as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?