Used car guide

2023 BMW 220i petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the petrol BMW 220i first registered in 2023 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 218 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 218 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

218MOTs of 2023 petrol cars, done in 2023–2025
94%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,400typical miles a year
9%had tyres flagged

Common 2023 BMW 220i petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 BMW 220i petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    9% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% 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
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Brakes
    1% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 BMW 220i petrol

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 220i?

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 220i compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,430Tyres 19%
2021662Tyres 19%
20201,810Tyres 28%
20197,023Tyres 27%
20182,659Tyres 28%
20171,807Tyres 26%
20163,372Tyres 26%
20153,853Tyres 26%
20141,617Tyres 26%

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 220i cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score