The NCT record
BMW 120
Hatchback. Measured from 2,098 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Above average
More reliable than most cars its age. A good choice.
NCT pass rate: 63% (Above average for its age)
63 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 0.79× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 12 years old — a 2014 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | 70% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 58% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 68% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 71% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 61% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 56% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 56% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 50% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 49% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 48% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 44% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Suspension performance
bounce test each corner, uneven ride height, knocking over bumps
€250–450 for shock absorbers, in pairs — up to €700 at worst.
Headlight aim
headlight aim and clouded or moisture-filled lenses
€20–60 for adjustment, or a new unit — up to €400 at worst.
Steering & suspension
worn ball joints, track rod ends, shock absorbers, bushings
€100–600 for joints, bearings and arms — up to €900 at worst.
Wheel alignment (side-slip)
wheel alignment, steering pulling, uneven front tyre wear
€40–70 for alignment, or the worn part causing it — up to €400 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€85–140 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other hatchback options
- CFord Focus(About average)
- CVolkswagen Golf(About average)
- COpel Astra(About average)
- CSkoda Octavia(About average)
- BToyota Auris(Above average)
- ERenault Megane(Well below average)
Other BMW models
- CBMW 520(About average)
- CBMW 320(About average)
- CBMW 318(About average)
- CBMW 316(About average)
- BBMW 116(Above average)
- CBMW X5(About average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.