2020 BMW 1 Series · 54,815 MOT tests
2020 BMW 1 Series reliability
2020 BMW 1 Seriess fail 8.7% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 1 Series years (54,815 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2020 BMW 1 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 8.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 29,523
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 54,815
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 5.2% of tests fail here (14% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%
- Lights and electrics1%
- Brakes1%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.3%
- Suspension0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.33%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.73%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.66%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.54%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.42%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.29%
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 (6.39%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.95%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.04%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.76%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.13%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (0.86%)
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 2020 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2020 BMW 1 Seriess fail 8.7% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 1 Series years (54,815 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.33% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.73% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (0.66% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 BMW 1 Series shows 29,523 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Check a 2020 BMW 1 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.