BMW 3-Series MOT Results

Registered in 2006
66.6% pass rate
from 28,923 tests in 2021
(26% better than other 2006 cars)
Pass rate by mileage
Failure rates by item

Here you can drill down into the failure rates for each item on the test. We've also compared the rates to the average results for 2006 cars and highlighted areas where the BMW 3-Series is unusually good or bad.

  • 9.7% fail on Brakes (21% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 5.0% fail on Brake performance (25% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 3.6% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp)
        • 3.5% fail on Rbt (sp)
        • 0.010% fail on Decelerometer (sp) (95% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.0069% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
        • 0.0035% fail on Gradient tester (sp)
      • 1.2% fail on Service brake performance (56% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 1.2% fail on Rbt (56% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 1.0% fail on Service brake performance (55% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.25% fail on Service brake imbalance (53% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.028% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.017% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
          • 0.010% fail on Service brake performance
      • 1.0% fail on Parking brake performance (33% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 1.00% fail on Rbt (33% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.80% fail on Parking brake performance (39% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.14% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.055% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.021% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.0069% fail on Parking brake performance
          • 0.0069% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.0069% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.014% fail on Decelerometer
          • 0.014% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.21% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (75% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.21% fail on Rbt (sp) (74% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.15% fail on Service brake imbalance (77% better than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.090% fail on Service brake performance (63% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.0035% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
          • 0.0035% fail on Service brake imbalance
      • 0.16% fail on Brake performance not tested (46% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 2.3% fail on Mechanical brake components (27% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 1.9% fail on Brake linings and pads
        • 1.9% fail on Brake pads
        • 0.017% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.57% fail on Brake discs and drums (55% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.56% fail on Brake discs (55% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.010% fail on Brake drums
      • 0.048% fail on Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages (78% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.031% fail on Lever
        • 0.010% fail on Cable (93% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.0035% fail on Linkage
        • 0.0035% fail on Brake slack adjuster
    • 1.8% fail on ABS / EBS / ESC (38% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 1.3% fail on Anti-lock braking system (28% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.69% fail on Electronic stability control (110% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.097% fail on Electronic braking system (2 times worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 1.4% fail on Rigid brake pipes (44% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.49% fail on Flexible brake hoses (110% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.39% fail on Parking brake control
      • 0.38% fail on Lever
      • 0.014% fail on Electronic parking brake (74% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.30% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever (30% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Hand lever
      • 0.055% fail on Pedal (70% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.090% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders) (61% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.086% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers (46% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Hydraulic brake cylinder
    • 0.076% fail on Hydraulic systems (51% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.052% fail on Brake fluid (51% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Servos
      • 0.010% fail on Valves
      • 0.0069% fail on Reservoirs
    • 0.059% fail on Air and vacuum systems
      • 0.041% fail on Servos
      • 0.014% fail on Operation (4 times worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Pressure/vacuum build up
    • 0.048% fail on Other components and prescribed areas
      • 0.045% fail on Other components (160% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Additional braking device
  • 8.6% fail on Suspension (49% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 3.0% fail on Suspension arms (46% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 2.1% fail on Pins and bushes (19% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.65% fail on Ball joint (70% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Ball joint dust cover (69% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.11% fail on Suspension arm (59% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 2.5% fail on Shock absorbers (150% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 2.1% fail on Anti-roll bars (58% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.71% fail on Linkage ball joint dust cover (60% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.63% fail on Linkage ball joints (59% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.31% fail on Ball joint dust cover (61% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.21% fail on Linkage
      • 0.17% fail on Ball joint (62% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.083% fail on Pins and bushes (58% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.045% fail on Linkage pins and bushes (78% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.031% fail on Anti-roll bar
      • 0.021% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0035% fail on Linkage attachment bracket and mounting
    • 1.4% fail on Springs (72% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 1.4% fail on Coil springs (72% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 1.4% fail on Coil spring (72% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.021% fail on Mounting
    • 0.45% fail on Wheel bearings (62% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.22% fail on Other suspension component (37% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.12% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.038% fail on Ball joint (77% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.021% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.010% fail on Ball joint dust cover (82% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.22% fail on Sub-frames (53% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.086% fail on Sub-frame (58% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.080% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting (3 times worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.052% fail on Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas (60% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Pins and bushes (91% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.097% fail on Macpherson strut (52% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.045% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.031% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.021% fail on Macpherson strut
    • 0.059% fail on Component mounting prescribed areas (96% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.028% fail on Suspension rods (67% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.021% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.0035% fail on Suspension rod
      • 0.0035% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.0069% fail on Axles (97% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Axle
      • 0.0035% fail on Swivel pins and bushes
  • 8.5% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (45% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 3.7% fail on Headlamp aim
      • 3.5% fail on Headlamp aim (10% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.26% fail on Headlamp aim not tested (40% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 2.6% fail on Headlamps (45% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 2.4% fail on Headlamp (48% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Headlamp levelling device
      • 0.010% fail on Dipswitch
    • 1.00% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (54% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.82% fail on Stop lamp (80% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.75% fail on Direction indicators (71% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.75% fail on Flashing type (71% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.54% fail on Individual direction indicators (70% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.18% fail on Side repeaters (74% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.028% fail on All direction indicators (82% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.014% fail on Switch
    • 0.53% fail on Front and rear fog lamps (40% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.53% fail on Rear fog lamp (40% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.53% fail on Rear fog lamp (40% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.19% fail on Electrical equipment (68% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.10% fail on Horn (63% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.076% fail on Electrical wiring
      • 0.0069% fail on Battery(ies) (97% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.14% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.13% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.010% fail on All position lamps
      • 0.0035% fail on Switch
    • 0.038% fail on Hazard warning
      • 0.038% fail on Switch
    • 0.017% fail on Mandatory tell-tales
      • 0.017% fail on Rear fog lamp tell-tale
      • 0.014% fail on Main beam tell-tale
    • 0.014% fail on Rear reflectors (79% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.0035% fail on Reversing lamps
      • 0.0035% fail on Reversing lamps
  • 7.5% fail on Tyres (12% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 4.3% fail on Tread depth (14% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 3.6% fail on Condition (17% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.16% fail on Size/type (44% better than other 2006 cars)
  • 5.3% fail on Visibility (24% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 3.6% fail on Washers
    • 1.6% fail on Wipers (53% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.17% fail on Condition of glass
      • 0.17% fail on Windscreen
      • 0.0035% fail on Window
    • 0.16% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.11% fail on View to rear (47% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.10% fail on Mirrors (51% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Indirect vision devices
    • 0.010% fail on Driver's view
  • 4.4% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (30% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 4.0% fail on Exhaust emissions (33% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 3.3% fail on Spark ignition (28% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 1.9% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp (19% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 1.6% fail on Catalyst emissions (22% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.32% fail on Emissions not tested (57% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.038% fail on Non catalyst emissions
        • 0.028% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.021% fail on Catalytic converter
          • 0.0069% fail on NOx sensor
      • 0.68% fail on Compression ignition (50% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.29% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Turbo (58% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.22% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp (40% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.11% fail on Emissions not tested (41% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.062% fail on Emission control equipment (96% worse than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.041% fail on Catalytic converter (170% worse than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.017% fail on Particulate filter (2 times worse than other 2006 cars)
          • 0.0035% fail on Exhaust gas recirculation valve
          • 0.0035% fail on Other emission control equipment
        • 0.028% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Non turbo (70% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.017% fail on On or after 01/07/2008
        • 0.0035% fail on On or after 01/01/2014
    • 0.54% fail on Fluid leaks (36% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.51% fail on Engine oil leaks (61% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.014% fail on Other leaks
      • 0.010% fail on Transmission oil leaks
      • 0.010% fail on Hydraulic fluid leaks
    • 0.024% fail on Noise suppression
      • 0.021% fail on Undertray
      • 0.0035% fail on Sound deadening material
  • 2.6% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems
    • 2.1% fail on SRS malfunction indicator lamp (70% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.40% fail on Seat belts (66% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.32% fail on Condition (40% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.059% fail on Requirements
      • 0.017% fail on Attachment
      • 0.0035% fail on Prescribed areas
      • 0.0035% fail on Pre-tensioners
    • 0.073% fail on Airbags (91% worse than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.073% fail on Drivers airbag (110% worse than other 2006 cars)
  • 1.7% fail on Body, chassis, structure (78% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.55% fail on Exhaust system (80% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.42% fail on Doors
      • 0.29% fail on Other passenger's door
        • 0.29% fail on Door condition
      • 0.10% fail on Front passenger's door
        • 0.10% fail on Door condition
      • 0.055% fail on Driver's door
        • 0.045% fail on Door condition
        • 0.0069% fail on Catch
        • 0.0035% fail on Hinge
    • 0.28% fail on Fuel system (33% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.24% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device
      • 0.038% fail on Tank (58% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0069% fail on Hose
      • 0.0035% fail on Pipe
    • 0.19% fail on Transmission (94% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.10% fail on Prop shafts (48% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.059% fail on Flexible couplings (3 times worse than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.028% fail on Prop shaft
        • 0.014% fail on Joints (89% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.0035% fail on Bearing housing
      • 0.083% fail on Drive shafts (97% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.048% fail on Drive shaft
        • 0.024% fail on Joints (99% better than other 2006 cars)
        • 0.010% fail on Bearing housing
      • 0.0035% fail on Halfshafts
      • 0.0035% fail on Belts
    • 0.12% fail on Bumpers
    • 0.055% fail on Integral vehicle structure (90% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.028% fail on Sub-frame
        • 0.021% fail on Sub-frame condition
        • 0.0069% fail on Strengthening plate
      • 0.024% fail on Integral vehicle structure condition (95% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Strengthening plate
    • 0.052% fail on Undertray
    • 0.045% fail on Body (80% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.028% fail on Other body component (78% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Panel (89% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0069% fail on Body condition
    • 0.038% fail on Seats (78% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.021% fail on Driver's seat (81% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.017% fail on Passenger's seat (75% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.010% fail on Towbar
      • 0.010% fail on Other towbar components
    • 0.010% fail on Boot lid (73% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Boot lid condition
    • 0.0069% fail on Engine mounting (90% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0069% fail on Engine mounting condition (87% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.0035% fail on Chassis
      • 0.0035% fail on Strengthening plate
    • 0.0035% fail on Floor
  • 1.2% fail on Road Wheels (140% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.75% fail on Attachment (91% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.49% fail on Condition (2 times worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.0035% fail on Hubs
  • 0.96% fail on Steering (70% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.68% fail on Steering linkage components (72% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.62% fail on Track rod end (72% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.024% fail on Ball joint (84% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.017% fail on Drag link end (72% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.014% fail on Locking devices
      • 0.0035% fail on Steering arm
    • 0.20% fail on Steering gear (60% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.20% fail on Steering rack (59% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Operation
    • 0.066% fail on Power steering (72% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.038% fail on Operation (58% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.017% fail on Other components (78% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.010% fail on Pipes and hoses (82% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.0035% fail on Pump
      • 0.0035% fail on Rams
    • 0.021% fail on Electronic power steering (68% better than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.017% fail on Steering play (85% better than other 2006 cars)
      • 0.017% fail on Steering rack (85% better than other 2006 cars)
  • 0.78% fail on Identification of the vehicle (27% worse than other 2006 cars)
    • 0.78% fail on Registration plates (27% worse than other 2006 cars)
  • 0.0069% fail on Speedometer and speed limiter
    • 0.0069% fail on Speedometer
  • 0.0069% fail on Buses and coaches supplementary tests
    • 0.0069% fail on Doors
      • 0.0069% fail on Emergency exits (5 times worse than other 2006 cars)
  • 0.0069% fail on Seat belt installation check
    • 0.0035% fail on Anchorages
    • 0.0035% fail on Belt(s)/padding
Read the Honest John Review

  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (2006 - 2012)
    Stylish four-seater coupe. Plenty of room for four and their luggage. Comes with a great choice of engines including frugal diesels. 335i is outstanding to drive.
  • BMW 3 Series (2005 - 2012)
    Superb to drive. Great handling and steering. Upmarket image. Economical diesel engines culminating in amazingly efficient 320d Efficient Dynamics at 109g/km of CO2.

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