BMW 2 SERIES Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 1,200 MOT tests from 150 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every BMW 2 SERIES has the same fault.

BMW 2 SERIES's have a extremely good reliability rating of 822/999. The score was calculated from the average of every BMW 2 SERIES that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the BMW 2 SERIES.

BMW 2 SERIES (example)

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	872/999Excellent	77,246 miles	1,598 vehicles
N/A	N/A	810/999Excellent	70,649 miles	1,378 vehicles
N/A	N/A	785/999Very good	70,649 miles	1,527 vehicles

How reliable is the BMW 2 SERIES?

Based on 1,200 MOT tests from 150 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

150

MOT tests

1,200

Pass rate

85.8%

Median mileage

60,583 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every BMW 2 SERIES has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 818 out of 999.

Common BMW 2 SERIES MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 248 advisory comments and 58 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 53 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 15 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Steering rack issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record play, a leak, or a damaged gaiter on the steering rack.

What to inspect

Check for play at the steering wheel and look for split rack gaiters.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE PLAY IN STEERING RACK INNER JOINT(S)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 9 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCEEDS MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFIED LIMITS (8.2.1.2 (A))

Shock absorber issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 8 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record shock absorbers or dampers that were leaking, misting, or insecure. A light misting of oil on a damper is not an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS HAS A SERIOUS FLUID LEAK (5.3.2 (B))

Lambda sensor issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lambda sensor reading or defect noted at the test.

What to inspect

Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST LAMBDA READING AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE OUTSIDE SPECIFIED LIMITS (8.2.1.2 (C))

BMW 2 SERIES MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2020	7	33	87.9%	Tyre wear
2019	14	78	91%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2018	46	314	87.6%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2017	24	211	82%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2016	18	151	88.1%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015	19	186	82.8%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2014	19	217	85.3%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear

What to check when buying a used BMW 2 SERIES

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Steering rack issues. Check for play at the steering wheel and look for split rack gaiters.
Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.
Shock absorber issues. Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.
Lambda sensor issues. Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Buying a BMW 2 SERIES?

Common problems tell you what can affect BMW 2 SERIESs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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