2013 BMW 123d: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 123d first registered in 2013: we looked at the 107 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 107 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2013 BMW 123d MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2013 BMW 123d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres40% 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.
- Brakes35% 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.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Lights and electrics16% 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 mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2013 BMW 123d
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 2013 BMW 123d
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?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 123d?
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 123d compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 435 | Tyres 35% |
| 2011 | 1,308 | Tyres 34% |
| 2010 | 1,648 | Tyres 36% |
| 2009 | 2,266 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 3,389 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 574 | Suspension 43% |
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 123d cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score