BMW 123 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used BMW 123, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 2,903 MOTs done during 2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a BMW 123?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2008–2009 · 2.0 diesel, built 2008 to 2009
Fuel filter heater: flat battery and fire risk (diesel, built Aug 2008 to June 2009)
Moisture can get into an electrical connection at the fuel filter, draining the battery so it won't start, with a fire risk if it happens while parked after driving.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the fix was done.
- Cars registered 2011–2012 · 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.
- Cars registered 2007–2010 · Built from June 2007
Power steering warning (built June 2007 to Dec 2011)
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.
- Cars registered 2007–2010 · Some cars
Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults
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.
- Cars registered 2011–2012
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.
- Cars registered 2011–2012
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.
- Cars registered 2011–2012
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.
Common BMW 123 MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.
Shock absorbers
up to 2.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
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.
Flexible brake hoses
up to 6.3× usualStands out on cars registered in 2008 and 2009.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
BMW 123 MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2010 BMW 123 did best (71% passed first time, 12 points above all 2010 cars) and the 2008 did worst (66%, 9 points above all 2008 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 123
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the fuel filter heater fix been done?
- Has the BMW recall work, including the EGR valve, been done?
- Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the BMW 123 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the BMW 123 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 123?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score