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2016 BMW 120 1.6L Petrol · YG16 YSL

YG16 YSL

2016 BMW 120 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 2016. Recorded mileage 47,451 miles. MOT expired on 01 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Oct 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.

Make & Model
BMW 120
Year / Origin
2016 · Leeds
Safety Recall
None Outstanding
MOT Status
Expired on 01 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Oct 2027)
Recorded Mileage
47,451 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 01 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Oct 2027
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2016
Engine
1598cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Five consecutive faultless examinations, culminating in a clean pass on 18 September 2025 at 47,451 miles, demonstrate an unblemished modern MOT history for this BMW 120. Over its testing life on record, the vehicle has generated no recorded test failures and, notably, not a single advisory notice. This sequence points to a stable trajectory of roadworthiness, with consecutive inspections yielding green passes and zero components flagged for monitoring or immediate replacement by testing stations. Accumulating roughly 4,745 miles per year across its roughly ten-year lifespan places this BMW well below the national average annual mileage. While a low-mileage profile indicates lighter overall utilization of the chassis and powertrain, it also means the car has spent extended periods operating on shorter journeys or potentially parked between tests. Mechanically, low-mileage examples require close scrutiny of components vulnerable to under-use, such as exhaust systems failing to reach optimal temperatures to clear condensation, and peripheral engine ancillaries subject to thermal cycles without high-speed running. With the official record completely devoid of past advisories or structural warnings, the inspection focus during a physical viewing shifts to preventative checks of high-wear items common to the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the 1 Series. On a dynamic test drive, pay close attention to the multi-link rear suspension and front MacPherson struts for any dull knocks, clunks, or excessive body roll over speed humps, as rubber bushes and ball joints degrade with age regardless of distance covered. Listen intently for unwanted whines from the differential or transmission during acceleration and coasting phases. Thoroughly inspect the engine bay and underbody on a ramp to verify that the absence of MOT oil leak advisories translates to genuine gasket and seal integrity, checking the turbocharger feed lines, rocker cover, and sump area for any fresh misting or weeping. Verify that the braking system exhibits firm pedal travel without any side-to-side pulling or vibration through the steering wheel when coming to a halt from higher speeds, ensuring the discs and pads are wearing evenly across all four corners.
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YG16 YSL Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 18/09/2025
  • 47,451 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

YG16 YSL MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 22 Sept 2026, 13:16
MOT Analysis

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 2016 BMW 120 (YG16 YSL) between April 2022 and September 2025.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

YG16 YSL Mileage History

  1. 05/04/202233,023 mi
  2. 03/04/202336,878 mi+3,855 mi
  3. 03/10/202338,963 mi+2,085 mi
  4. 01/10/202443,063 mi+4,100 mi
  5. 18/09/202547,451 mi+4,388 mi

Average of roughly 4,176 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant
No Open Safety Recalls

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
68
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
No outstanding recalls
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Direct Manufacturer Service History

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
78/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£800-£1,000
Mileage
At 47,451 mi, the vehicle's mileage is b...

Our Verdict

We recommend this 2016 BMW 120 as a low‑

When inspecting the vehicle, verify that the recorded mileage aligns with service stamps or receipts, as the mileage is notably lower than average for a 2016 model. Request any available service history to confirm regular oil changes and timing belt service, especially given the 1.6 L engine's maintenance schedule. Although the MOT history shows no failures, be aware that the model commonly records headlamp, tyre, and exhaust issues, so check these components carefully.

During price negotiations, use the clean MOT record and below‑average mileage as leverage to obtain a fair market price. Compare listings for similar 2016 BMW 120s with higher mileage or recent MOT failures to gauge a reasonable discount. If the seller cannot provide a full service log, consider a professional pre‑purchase inspection to uncover any hidden wear.

Finally, ensure the vehicle has a valid MOT until at least the next 12 months, as the last test was in September 2025. A fresh MOT can give you confidence that the car remains road‑worthy and that any emergent issues will be identified early.

The 1.6 L petrol engine in the BMW 120 typically achieves around 45‑50 mpg in mixed driving, translating to modest fuel expenses for UK commuters. Road tax for a 1.6 L petrol vehicle in 2026 falls into Band B, costing roughly £150 per year.

Insurance groups for the 2016 BMW 120 usually sit in the mid‑30s, leading to an annual premium of about £600‑£800 depending on driver profile. Routine maintenance, including oil changes, brake pads, and tyre rotations, averages £300‑£400 per year for this model.

Combining fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance, the estimated annual running cost ranges between £800 and £1,000.

Given the model’s top MOT failure reasons, inspect the headlamps for dimming, cracked lenses, or alignment issues, even though no failures have been recorded for this car. Test both low‑beam and high‑beam functions and check for any moisture ingress.

Examine the tyres for tread depth, uneven wear, and sidewall damage, as tyre failures are common across the model fleet. Verify that the tyre pressure sensors (if fitted) are operational and that the tyres match the recommended specifications for the BMW 120.

Inspect the exhaust system for signs of corrosion, cracks, or loose mounts, particularly around the muffler and catalytic converter. Listen for any unusual noises during a short drive, which could indicate underlying exhaust issues that have not yet triggered an MOT failure.

The 2016 BMW 120 (white, 1.6 L petrol) has passed its last five MOTs with no recorded defects, showing a steady mileage increase from 33,023 mi in 2022 to 47,451 mi in 2025. Its annual mileage of roughly 3,600 mi is considerably lower than the model average of 7,283 mi, suggesting less wear. While the model’s overall MOT pass rate is 80.8%, this individual car exceeds that benchmark. Overall, the car offers a relatively low‑risk proposition for a buyer seeking a compact executive sedan.

The BMW 120 model has an overall MOT pass rate of 80.8%, indicating that most vehicles of this type meet basic roadworthiness standards, though headlamp, tyre and exhaust problems are the most frequent failures.

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