BMW 120i common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a BMW 120i?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• EGR valve leak (diesel)

  Cars registered 2011–2019 · 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

• Fuel filter heater: flat battery and fire risk (diesel, built Aug 2008 to June 2009)

  Cars registered 2008–2009 · 2.0 diesel, built 2008 to 2009

  Moisture can get into an electrical connection at the fuel filter, draining the battery so it won't start, with a fire risk if it happens while parked after driving.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the fix was done.

  Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

• Engine and lights cutting out

  Cars registered 2011–2019

  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

  Cars registered 2011–2019

  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

• Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults

  Cars registered 2004–2010 · Some cars

  Faults to have been fixed: loose rear control arm joints (built May to Sept 2004), a leaking brake servo seal (built March 2006) and airbag and seatbelt wiring (built May to July 2008).

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding work.

  Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

• Power steering warning (built June 2007 to Dec 2011)

  Cars registered 2007–2010 · Built from June 2007

  A part in the steering control module can fail, lighting the EPS warning and making the steering heavier.

  At the viewing: Make sure the steering light goes out and the steering feels light.

  Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

• Water getting in

  Cars registered 2011–2019

  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

Common BMW 120i MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 5.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)

  up to 4.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Engine warning light

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Wheels

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

  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.

• Individual direction indicators

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005 and 2010.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

BMW 120i MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2006 BMW 120i did best (70% passed first time, 14 points above all 2006 cars) and the 2019 did worst (88%, 3 points above all 2019 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 120i

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. Has the fuel filter heater fix been done?
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the BMW 120i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the BMW 120i as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the BMW 120i as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?