2012 BMW 116: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 116 first registered in 2012: we looked at the 19,977 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 BMW 116?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 BMW 116 than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Steering rack inner joints6× usualBMW 11611.9% All 2012 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.
- Link ball joint covers2.5× usualBMW 1165% All 2012 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Side repeaters3.3× usualBMW 1163.9% All 2012 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wheels1.7× usualBMW 1162.7% All 2012 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
Coil springs: 3% here, against 8.5% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.4% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
Common 2012 BMW 116 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 BMW 116 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.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Brakes25% 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.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering13% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% 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.
Known faults on the 2012 BMW 116
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 BMW 116
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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2012 BMW 116 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2012 BMW 116 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 BMW 116 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 116?
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 116 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 721 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 3,039 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 6,977 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 3,975 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 6,896 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 24,491 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 34,953 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 43,234 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 58,122 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 31,892 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 18,964 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 17,173 | Tyres 34% |
| 2009 | 16,353 | Brakes 36% |
| 2008 | 7,072 | Brakes 43% |
| 2007 | 8,053 | Brakes 47% |
| 2006 | 8,357 | Brakes 49% |
| 2005 | 3,977 | Brakes 47% |
| 2004 | 1,258 | Brakes 47% |
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 116 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score