BMW 120 (2017)
2017 BMW 120
CarHunch analysed 2,348 real MOT records for the 2017 BMW 120. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
What to check before buying a 2017 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.
- ⚠️ 32.7% 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.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (70%) | 1,655 | 89.4% | 0.86 |
| Petrol (30%) | 693 | 90.7% | 0.77 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2017 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 2017 BMW 120 vehicles fall between 38,489 and 63,744 miles.
2017 BMW 120 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,226 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 98% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2017 BMW 120
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
33.7%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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32.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
28.8%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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25.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
25.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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18.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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13.3%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
-
9.9%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017. 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.