BMW 123 MOT pass rate: 73.9% (2,927 tests, 2025)

The BMW 123 passed 73.9% of its 2,927 MOT tests in 2025 — 3.6 points below the UK average of 77.5%. The median tested example was 16 years old with 124,280 miles on the clock.
73.9%Pass rate (2025)
2,927MOT tests analysed
124,280 miMedian mileage at test
16 yrsMedian age at test

How the 123 compares

BMW 123

73.9%

UK average (all Class 4 vehicles)

77.5% across 33.1 million tests

BMW average (all models)

83.0%

What fails most on the BMW 123

Across failed and rectified tests in 2025, these vehicle systems produced the most defects on the 123:

#SystemDefects recordedShare
1Suspension50726.8%
2Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment39821.1%
3Tyres36019.0%
4Brakes31216.5%
5Visibility1266.7%
6Noise, emissions and leaks713.8%

Pre-MOT checklist for 123 owners

Based on the failure profile above, ten minutes with a torch before your test removes the most likely fail items:

  • Bounce each corner and listen for clonks over speed bumps — suspension is this model’s (and the UK’s) top failure system
  • Walk round with all lights on: one blown bulb is the most avoidable fail there is
  • Check tread with the 20p test and inspect sidewalls for cracking — tyres close to the limit are the country’s most common advisory
  • Feel for a spongy pedal or pulling to one side; check pad wear through the wheel spokes if visible
  • Replace smeared wiper blades and top up washer fluid — both are test items
Check the engine before the tester does

A stored fault code with the engine light on is an automatic Major defect. Scan and clear resolved faults before booking.

123 pass rate by registration year

Registration yearTestsPass rateVs same-ageMedian mileage
2008 3,382 73.1% +8.0 pts 129,186
2009 2,289 73.5% +7.1 pts 121,299
2010 1,653 75.8% +8.4 pts 114,877

Check a specific 123 before you buy

Pass rates describe the model; they can’t tell you about the one car you’re looking at. Run its plate through our free MOT history check to see its personal record of failures, advisories and mileage readings.

Other BMW models

3 Series77.7% pass rate · 346,191 tests 11883.0% pass rate · 151,434 tests X185.0% pass rate · 105,826 tests 11678.5% pass rate · 100,371 tests X383.1% pass rate · 88,755 tests 1 Series81.7% pass rate · 77,207 tests X582.4% pass rate · 76,168 tests 5 Series85.7% pass rate · 71,923 tests

FAQs

What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW 123?

In 2025, 73.9% of 2,927 first MOT tests on the BMW 123 were passes (UK average: 77.5%). Data: DVSA anonymised MOT results.

What does the 123 fail its MOT on most?

The biggest defect group is suspension (26.8% of its recorded defects), followed by lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment.

Is the BMW 123 reliable?

MOT pass rate is one lens on durability: at 73.9% it performs below the national average at a median age of 16 years and 124,280 miles. Always check the individual car's history too.

Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2025 extract (Class 4 initial tests only; retests excluded). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures rounded to one decimal place.