Used car guide

2023 BMW 220I: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 BMW 220Is, from 252 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 252 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

252MOT tests in 2025
95%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,300typical miles a year
9%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2023 BMW 220I 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.

Looking at a BMW 220I?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,316Tyres 20%
2021322Tyres 22%
2020586Tyres 30%
20192,326Tyres 29%
2018649Tyres 29%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 BMW 220Is registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score