2012 BMW 1 Series · 105,765 MOT tests
2012 BMW 1 Series reliability
2012 BMW 1 Seriess fail 29.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 1 Series years (105,765 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 29.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 90,379
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 105,765
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.3% of tests fail here (164% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 74% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14%
- Suspension8.2%
- Tyres7.9%
- Brakes5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
- Wheels1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.29%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.04%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.73%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Side repeater not working 2.24%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.96%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.55%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.14%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.03%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.21%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (6.9%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (4.68%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.74%)
Other years
Every BMW 1 Series year
The full picture: BMW 1 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 1 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2012 BMW 1 Seriess fail 29.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 1 Series years (105,765 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.29% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.04% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (2.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW 1 Series shows 90,379 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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