BMW 120 (2006)
2006 BMW 120
CarHunch analysed 4,983 real MOT records for the 2006 BMW 120. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2006 BMW 120 is right at the UK average for first-time pass rates at 79.1%, but a serious concern emerges in the detail: nearly half of these cars (45.2%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above what you'd expect. The diesel versions, which make up 87% of the cohort, perform slightly worse than petrol at 78.7% versus 81.9% pass rates—a meaningful gap for a vehicle now 18 years old.
These cars are running at sensible mileage for their age, with a median of 94,376 miles, yet they're averaging nearly four failures and 26 advisories per test, suggesting wear is catching up fast. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the suspension, brakes, and cooling system, since high-mileage BMWs of this generation develop predictable issues in those areas.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 3.2 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2006 BMW 120
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 45.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW 120
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (87%) | 4,354 | 78.7% | 3.92 |
| Petrol (13%) | 628 | 81.9% | 3.2 |
| Steam (0%) | 1 | 80% | 4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 BMW 120 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2006 BMW 120 vehicles fall between 76,848 and 114,060 miles.
2006 BMW 120 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 1,666 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (36% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2006 BMW 120
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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92.3%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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90.2%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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82.7%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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82.4%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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73.1%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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64.6%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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64.4%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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59.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW 120?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.