2013 BMW 420: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 BMW 420s, from 537 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 BMW 420s than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Steering rack inner joints5.2× usualBMW 42011.5% All 2013 cars2.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
- Shock absorbers2.1× usualBMW 42012.3% All 2013 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2013 BMW 420 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes26% 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.
- Suspension23% 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.
- Steering12% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
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.
- Timing chain wear2.0 petrol and diesel
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (shared with the 3 Series) can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
- Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)Diesel
Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
- Noisy differential
A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.
At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.
Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review (the 4 Series shares its engines and running gear)
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,067 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 7,511 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 10,218 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 11,165 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 11,181 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 10,034 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 7,599 | Tyres 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 BMW 420s registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score