2012 BMW 1 Series 2.0L Diesel · VW03 GEM
2012 BMW 1 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 07 Sept 2012. Recorded mileage 172,309 miles. MOT valid until 08 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 1 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 172,309 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.
VW03 GEM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/12/2025
- 172,309 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VW03 GEM 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 (VW03 GEM) between October 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 December 2025 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: Suspension (12 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
VW03 GEM Mileage History
- 18/10/2023150,042 mi
- 18/10/2023150,042 mi
- 04/12/2024164,474 mi+14,432 mi
- 02/12/2025172,309 mi+7,835 mi
- 09/12/2025172,309 mi
Average of roughly 10,386 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 1 Series (F20/F21)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
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Digital Service History
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Vehicle & Plate History
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- Steering Rack RattleModerate
The electronic steering rack can develop play in the thrust piece, creating a clonk or rattle over broken UK roads. Some cars only need the repair kit; others need a full rack.
- EGR Valve & Cooler RecallsSerious
Diesel 116d, 118d, 120d, and 125d models fall into BMW diesel EGR recall years (Recall 18V755) where leaking coolant mixed with soot can create a fire risk.
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