Used car guide

2020 BMW M135I: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW M135I first registered in 2020: we looked at the 10,306 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

10,306MOTs of 2020 cars, done in 2023–2025
90%pass first time (all 2020 cars: 87%)
7,200typical miles a year
23%had tyres flagged

Common 2020 BMW M135I MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 BMW M135I MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Brakes
    10% 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 mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 BMW M135I

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW M135I?

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Other years

Every year of the BMW M135I compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023174Tyres 10%
20222,491Tyres 24%
20216,959Tyres 23%
20192,763Tyres 24%

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 M135I cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score