BMW 120 (2021)
2021 BMW 120
CarHunch analysed 208 real MOT records for the 2021 BMW 120. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2021 BMW 120 is a genuinely reliable performer: its 93.8% first-time pass rate sits well above the UK average of 80%, and only 9.1% of vehicles in this cohort have ever recorded a dangerous defect—a low figure that suggests no systemic safety worry. At an average mileage of 34,346 miles for the age, these cars are running cleanly, with just 0.22 failures per vehicle and 1.2 advisories suggesting that when problems do arise, they're minor and preventable. The typically low defect count means maintenance has been straightforward for most owners. Before buying, request the full MOT history to check for any pattern of repeated advisories on the same component—it'll tell you whether the specific car you're looking at has been looked after properly.
What to check before buying a 2021 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.
- 📄 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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Mileage Distribution
Most 2021 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 2021 BMW 120 vehicles fall between 24,272 and 40,934 miles.
2021 BMW 120 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 204 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2021 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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18.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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18.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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13.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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12.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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11.1%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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10.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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6.7%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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5.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021. 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.