2021 BMW 120d: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 120d first registered in 2021: we looked at the 905 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 BMW 120d MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 BMW 120d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2021 BMW 120d
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.
- All engines
Electrical and warning light faults
The main faults reported are electrical: warning lights with no clear cause and infotainment faults.
At the viewing: Test the screen and check no warning lights stay on.
- Diesel
Particulate filter warnings (diesel)
Diesels have more problems, including DPF warnings and engine management faults.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for warning lights.
- Some cars
Airbag and camshaft recalls (2020)
Recalls covered the driver's airbag fabric (about 1,100 cars) and camshaft bearing cap screws that could come loose (39 cars).
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 BMW 120d
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 120d?
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 120d compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 281 | Tyres 16% |
| 2020 | 2,284 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 1,181 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 2,327 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 4,873 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 7,906 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 9,197 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 8,937 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 6,634 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 6,676 | Tyres 34% |
| 2011 | 8,454 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 8,725 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 7,598 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 8,745 | Brakes 45% |
| 2007 | 5,897 | Brakes 48% |
| 2006 | 5,693 | Brakes 52% |
| 2005 | 5,767 | Brakes 51% |
| 2004 | 1,447 | Brakes 49% |
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 120d cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score