Small SUV · 2017–2021 cars
BMW X2 reliability
The BMW X2 fails 14.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, based on 48,625 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a BMW X2 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 14.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 48,625
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,300
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the BMW X2 ages
Each point is the share of BMW X2s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | BMW X2 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 13.9% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 13.9% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 15% | 19.1% |
By year
The best and worst BMW X2 years
2021 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
Common problems
What fails most on a BMW X2
Its weak spot is tyres: 33% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.4%33% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%16% above avg
- Lights and electrics3%9% below avg
- Brakes1.1%56% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%29% above avg
- Suspension0.4%74% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.3%27% above avg
- Wheels0.2%29% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%61% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.29% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 2.04% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.04% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 4
Headlamp aim set too high 0.93% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.8% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.73% of tests
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 7
Direction indicator not working 0.62% of tests
A failed indicator hides your turns from other road users, which is dangerous and must be repaired before driving.
- 8
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.55% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a BMW X2's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit8.34%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking4.65%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.4%
- Child seat limits belt inspection1.82%
- Nail in tyre, monitor1.61%
- Tyre has a shallow cut1.59%
Before you buy
What to check on a used BMW X2
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 4
Headlamp aim set too high
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical BMW X2 covers about 8,300 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol51.5%
- Diesel46.8%
- Hybrid1.7%
Most common colours
Black, White, Blue, Grey, Orange
Average engine size: 1.9 litres.
Compare
How the BMW X2 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Puma | 12.4% | 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia Stonic | 11.9% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Kona | 11.7% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X2 | 14.1% | about average for its age |
| Citroën C3 Aircross | 14% | 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG ZS | 18.3% | 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën C4 Cactus | 24.9% | 54% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all BMW models.
Questions
BMW X2 questions, answered
Is the BMW X2 reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW X2 is about average: it fails 14.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage. It ranks 24 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a BMW X2 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the BMW X2 are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.29% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (2.04% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.04% of tests). By area, tyres fails 6.4% of its tests.
Which BMW X2 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (about average for its age).
How many miles does a BMW X2 do a year?
A typical BMW X2 covers about 8,300 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a BMW X2 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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