2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

21,074 MOT tests in 2024. 89.3% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time89.3%
Failed or needed repairs10.7%
Typical mileage at test31,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 21,074 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
    416 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.2%
    317 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    261 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.5%
    185 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  8. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator0.4%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.3%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres6.9%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  3. Lights & electrics1.4%
  4. Brakes1.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  6. Suspension0.4%
  7. Body & chassis0.3%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.6%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 BMW 1 Series?

In 2024, 89.3% of 2020 BMW 1 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 21,074 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 BMW 1 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 BMW 1 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).