BMW 125d common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used BMW 125d, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 6,199 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a BMW 125d?
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.
- Cars registered 2012–2017 · 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.
- Cars registered 2012–2017
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.
- Cars registered 2012–2017
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.
- Cars registered 2012–2017
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.
Common BMW 125d 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.
Wheels
up to 3.7× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Steering rack inner joints
up to 5.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
BMW 125d MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2017 BMW 125d did best (88% passed first time, 8 points above all 2017 cars) and the 2015 did worst (79%, 5 points above all 2015 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 125d
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 wheels? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the BMW 125d as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the BMW 125d as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 125d?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score