2012 BMW 1 Series 2.0L Diesel · SM62 EMK
2012 BMW 1 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 30 Oct 2012. Recorded mileage 82,839 miles. MOT valid until 11 Jan 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 1 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Aug 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,839 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.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SM62 EMK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 12/01/2026
- 82,839 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM62 EMK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 BMW 1 Series (SM62 EMK) between February 2024 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”.
SM62 EMK Mileage History
- 13/02/202450,065 mi
- 05/02/202566,996 mi+16,931 mi
- 05/02/202566,996 mi
- 09/01/202682,839 mi+15,843 mi
- 12/01/202682,839 mi
Average of roughly 17,127 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this vehicle, prioritize checking the service history to see if maintenance has been performed regularly between MOT tests. The January 2026 failure indicates that all four tyres were below the legal 1.6mm limit, so you should verify if a full set of new tyres has actually been fitted since that test.
Negotiate on the basis of the recent maintenance requirements. Ask for specific evidence regarding the brake hose issue noted in 2025 and the headlamp switch issue from 2026. A well-documented service history is essential to offset the observed pattern of MOT failures for consumable components.
As a 2.0L diesel, this 1 Series is designed for higher mileage efficiency, though actual fuel economy will depend on driving style. Tax and insurance groups for a 2012 BMW 1 Series vary depending on the specific trim level, but typically sit in the mid-range for premium hatchbacks.
Maintenance costs for this model can be higher than non-premium brands. Given the recent MOT failures for tyres, brake pads, and brake hoses, you should budget for regular replacement of consumables. Estimated annual running costs are moderate, assuming typical UK driving patterns.
Specifically inspect the condition of all four tyres; the 2026 MOT failure showed all four were below the legal limit, so ensure they are not near the end of their life again. Check the headlamp operation carefully to ensure the switch issue reported in January 2026 has been fully resolved and that all dipped beams illuminate immediately.
Furthermore, examine the braking system. The 2025 MOT failure highlighted thin brake pads and a twisted offside front brake hose. Inspect the hoses for any signs of wear, cracking, or improper routing, and ensure the brake pads have sufficient life remaining.
This 2012 white BMW 1 Series diesel has covered 82,839 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,292 miles per year. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of failures, most recently in January 2026 involving all four tyres and headlamp issues. While it passed its most recent test, the frequency of failures related to wear-and-tear items warrants careful consideration.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 84.2% MOT pass rate, with tyres being a primary reason for failure across the fleet.
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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