BMW

BMW 116 (2014)

21,213 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.8% first-time pass rate

2014 BMW 116

CarHunch analysed 21,213 real MOT records for the 2014 BMW 116. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Petrol vs Diesel Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2014 BMW 116 passes its MOT slightly more often than the UK average, with an 83.8% first-time pass rate compared to 80%, though petrol versions are notably more reliable at 85.7% versus diesels at 82.7%. However, a significant concern emerges in the dangerous defect category: 43.2% of these cars have experienced a serious safety fault at some point, well above typical expectations and something any prospective buyer should investigate closely in a pre-purchase inspection.

These cars are running at moderate mileage for their age (median 67,978 miles), and while they're averaging fewer than two failures per test, the high advisory count of 11.3 per vehicle suggests niggling maintenance issues are common. If you're considering this model, focus your inspection on brake and suspension components—the most frequent advisory categories for this generation—and insist on full service history as a buffer against the elevated dangerous defect rate.

The 2014 BMW 116 has a decent first-time pass rate (83.8%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
83.8%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
43.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.84
Over 10.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
68k
Middle half: 54k–84k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 11.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 21,213 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 21,213 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 55%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 38.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 19.8%
Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) · Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 16.3%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Lighting 14.5%
Nearside Front Position lamp not working · Offside Front Position lamp not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 21,213 BMW 116 cars.

UK

Petrol vs Diesel

Pass rate difference of 3 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.

85.7%
Petrol
7,993 vehicles
82.7%
Diesel
13,220 vehicles

Before you buy a 2014 BMW 116

Based on MOT data from 21,213 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 43.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (62%) 13,220 82.7% 1.97
Petrol (38%) 7,993 85.7% 1.62

Colour Breakdown

Based on 137,001 BMW 116 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 28.6%
39,180
White 26.2%
35,957
Blue 14.3%
19,524
Grey 13.5%
18,526
Silver 9.7%
13,326
Red 5.9%
8,082
Orange 1%
1,409
Green 0.2%
316
Brown 0.2%
306
Bronze 0.2%
260
Gold 0.1%
115

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 BMW 116 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

67,978
typical
54,030
low mileage
84,008
high mileage

Half of all 2014 BMW 116 vehicles fall between 54,030 and 84,008 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 54,030 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
54,030–84,008 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 BMW 116s sit.
Over 113,410 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 BMW 116 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2014 BMW 116s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 18,341 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 91% of the peak.

20,237 18,341 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.84
Avg failures per vehicle
11.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — BMW 116: All 116 years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2014 BMW 116 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing