2009 BMW 120 2.0L Diesel · YB09 YDA
2009 BMW 120 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/08/2009. Recorded mileage 100,920 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 120
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16/05/2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 100,920 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.
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2009
- Engine
- 1995cc
YB09 YDA Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 23/04/2024
- 100,920 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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YB09 YDA Mileage History
- 18/05/202283,221 mi
- 15/05/202391,905 mi+8,684 mi
- 18/05/202391,983 mi+78 mi
- 23/04/2024100,920 mi+8,937 mi
Average of roughly 9,156 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
YB09 YDA 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 2009 BMW 120 (YB09 YDA) between May 2022 and April 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 April 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A sensible choice for high-mileage drivers if the service history is verified. While the mileage is significantly above average, the most recent MOT records show a vehicle that is currently passing.
When inspecting this BMW 120, your priority should be verifying the service history. Given the vehicle has crossed the 100,000-mile mark, you must confirm if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to BMW's intervals, as this is a critical maintenance item for this engine. Check for any signs of oil leaks around the turbocharger or EGR valve, which are common on high-mileage diesel units of this era.
Negotiate based on the mileage; while the MOT history is relatively clean, wear-and-tear components like suspension bushings and injectors may be nearing the end of their life. Ensure the clutch operates smoothly and the dual- flywheel does not vibrate at idle, as these are expensive repairs on the 120 diesel model.
The 2.0L diesel engine offers decent efficiency for motorway commuting, typically achieving 50-60 mpg depending on conditions. Owners should expect a moderate tax band consistent with a 2009 diesel car, though insurance groups generally fall in the mid-range for this model series.
Annual maintenance costs for a BMW of this age are higher than a standard hatchback due to specialist parts pricing. Budget for an estimated annual running cost of approximately £1,100-£1,400, covering fuel, tax, and routine servicing.
Focus your inspection on the MOT history trends. The vehicle failed in May 2023 at 91,905 miles but passed just three days later at 91,983 miles, suggesting a minor repair was made. However, the 2024 MOT at 100,920 miles recorded no defects, which is a positive indicator of the current state of consumable components.
Check tyre tread depth and any uneven wear, as tyres are one of the top failure reasons for this model across our database. Also inspect the brake hoses for cracking or bulging, as this is another frequent failure point for the 1-series. Examine the undercarriage for any significant corrosion or oil-related leaks.
This 2009 BMW 120 sits at 100,920 miles, which is considerably higher than the annual average of 7,299 miles for its age. Despite the high usage, the vehicle has passed its last two MOT tests without defects, with the most recent 2024 test showing no issues whatsoever. The 2.0L diesel engine is a robust choice, but the mileage necessitates a thorough mechanical check.
The BMW 1-series diesel engines are generally considered reliable for high distances, provided oil change intervals are strictly followed to prevent turbo and EGR issues.
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