2006 BMW 120 2.0L Diesel · HN06 AMK
2006 BMW 120 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 31 Mar 2006. Recorded mileage 132,370 miles. MOT expired on 10 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 120
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 132,370 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
HN06 AMK Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 12/09/2025
- 132,370 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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HN06 AMK Mileage History
- 30/07/2022124,757 mi
- 19/07/2023128,439 mi+3,682 mi
- 17/08/2024130,811 mi+2,372 mi
- 12/09/2025132,370 mi+1,559 mi
Average of roughly 2,440 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
HN06 AMK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 BMW 120 (HN06 AMK) between July 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 25 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 25 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this BMW 120 has a consistent passing record, the MOT history reveals a long-standing pattern of deferred maintenance regarding suspension, brakes, and shock absorbers.
If you decide to proceed, you must negotiate the price downwards to account for imminent maintenance needs. The most recent MOT (September 2025) highlights thin brake pads on both front and rear, as well as a wheel bearing with 'slight play'. These are not just suggestions; they are components nearing the end of their safe service life.
Request a full service history to see if the recurring suspension and braking issues have been addressed professionally. Given the history of 'corroded brake pipes' and 'deteriorated brake hoses' appearing in multiple tests since 2020, a thorough inspection of the entire braking system by an independent mechanic is essential before handing over any money.
As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW should offer reasonable fuel economy for long-distance cruising, though older diesel engines can see efficiency drop as mileage increases. It falls into a standard insurance group for its era, but costs will be influenced by your personal profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for a small hatchback due to the age and the accumulation of suspension and braking wear. Expect to budget for more than just routine oil changes; the recurring advisories suggest a need for significant component replacement in the near future. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,100-£1,400, including fuel, tax, insurance, and anticipated repairs.
Prioritise the suspension and damping components. The MOT history shows a chronic issue with shock absorbers 'misting of oil' since at least 2019, and a 'severely deteriorated' ball joint dust cover in 2025. Check for any leaks or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate further suspension damage.
Secondly, inspect the braking system thoroughly. The vehicle has a history of corroded brake pipes and deteriorated hoses. Check the condition of the brake lines under the car and ensure the recently advised thin brake pads are replaced immediately. Finally, listen for any humming or grinding noises during a test drive, which could indicate the offside front wheel bearing (noted with 'slight play' in 2025) is failing.
This 2006 black BMW 120 diesel has covered 132,370 miles, which is consistent with its age. While it has passed its recent MOTs, the history shows persistent issues with shock absorber oil misting, worn wheel bearings, and corroded brake pipes dating back several years. Potential buyers should be aware that many advisory items have appeared across multiple years without being fully resolved.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific 2006 BMW 120 model, so decisions must be based on this individual vehicle's MOT history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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