Used car guide

2010 BMW 135: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 BMW 135s, from 142 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 142 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

142MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
5,500typical miles a year
20%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2010 BMW 135 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    20% 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
    20% 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 electrics
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    13% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    11% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults

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.

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

  • Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults
    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

Looking at a BMW 135?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2013103Tyres 19%
2012126Tyres 24%
2011177Tyres 18%
2009151Brakes 25%
2008321Suspension 25%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 BMW 135s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score