BMW 3-Series MOT Results

Registered in 2010
69.9% pass rate
from 31,795 tests in 2021
(23% better than other 2010 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 2010 cars and highlighted areas where the BMW 3-Series is unusually good or bad.

  • 7.6% fail on Brakes
    • 4.3% fail on Brake performance (7.7% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 2.8% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp) (55% worse than other 2010 cars)
        • 2.8% fail on Rbt (sp) (63% worse than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.016% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
        • 0.0094% fail on Decelerometer (sp) (90% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.4% fail on Service brake performance (29% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 1.4% fail on Rbt (29% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 1.3% fail on Service brake performance (25% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.23% fail on Service brake imbalance (42% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.022% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.022% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.0063% fail on Decelerometer
          • 0.0063% fail on Service brake performance
      • 0.52% fail on Parking brake performance (34% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.50% fail on Rbt (35% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.31% fail on Parking brake performance (53% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.10% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.079% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles) (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.016% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.013% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.0031% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.0094% fail on Decelerometer
          • 0.0094% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.18% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (69% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.17% fail on Rbt (sp) (68% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.11% fail on Service brake imbalance (75% better than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.088% fail on Service brake performance (47% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0031% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
          • 0.0031% fail on Service brake imbalance
      • 0.075% fail on Brake performance not tested (45% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 2.3% fail on Mechanical brake components (21% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 2.0% fail on Brake linings and pads
        • 2.0% fail on Brake pads
        • 0.019% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.57% fail on Brake discs and drums (50% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.56% fail on Brake discs (50% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0031% fail on Brake drums
      • 0.013% fail on Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages (88% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0094% fail on Lever
        • 0.0031% fail on Brake slack adjuster
    • 1.2% fail on ABS / EBS / ESC (100% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.0% fail on Anti-lock braking system (110% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.38% fail on Electronic stability control (81% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.060% fail on Electronic braking system (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.41% fail on Parking brake control
      • 0.40% fail on Lever (30% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Electronic parking brake (80% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.24% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever (30% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.22% fail on Hand lever
      • 0.013% fail on Pedal (91% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.17% fail on Rigid brake pipes (77% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.14% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders)
      • 0.14% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers (59% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.12% fail on Flexible brake hoses
    • 0.028% fail on Other components and prescribed areas
      • 0.028% fail on Other components (170% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.019% fail on Air and vacuum systems
      • 0.019% fail on Servos (3 times worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.016% fail on Hydraulic systems (83% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Brake fluid (75% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.0031% fail on Low pressure warning
      • 0.0031% fail on Air and vacuum systems
  • 7.2% fail on Tyres (18% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 4.1% fail on Tread depth (21% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 3.5% fail on Condition (22% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.12% fail on Size/type
  • 6.8% fail on Suspension (49% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 3.0% fail on Shock absorbers (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 3.0% fail on Suspension arms (27% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.9% fail on Pins and bushes (14% worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.0% fail on Ball joint (50% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.088% fail on Suspension arm
      • 0.079% fail on Ball joint dust cover (82% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 0.53% fail on Springs (90% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.53% fail on Coil springs (90% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.52% fail on Coil spring (90% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0063% fail on Mounting (80% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.49% fail on Anti-roll bars (86% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.19% fail on Linkage ball joints (83% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.091% fail on Linkage ball joint dust cover (92% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.079% fail on Linkage (68% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.075% fail on Ball joint (77% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Ball joint dust cover (93% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.022% fail on Anti-roll bar
      • 0.0063% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 0.18% fail on Wheel bearings (68% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.097% fail on Other suspension component (58% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.050% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.019% fail on Ball joint (85% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0094% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.0031% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.050% fail on Suspension rods
      • 0.038% fail on Pins and bushes (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.0031% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.035% fail on Macpherson strut (79% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.013% fail on Macpherson strut (73% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.013% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting (77% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Pins and bushes (89% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0031% fail on Ball joint
    • 0.0094% fail on Axles (94% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Swivel pins and bushes (95% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0031% fail on Stub axle
    • 0.0094% fail on Sub-frames (96% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0031% fail on Sub-frame
    • 0.0063% fail on Component mounting prescribed areas (93% better than other 2010 cars)
  • 6.6% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (45% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 2.4% fail on Headlamp aim (18% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 2.2% fail on Headlamp aim (16% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.21% fail on Headlamp aim not tested (34% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 2.3% fail on Headlamps (24% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.8% fail on Headlamp (35% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.39% fail on Headlamp cleaning device (6 times worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.085% fail on Headlamp levelling device (46% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.038% fail on Dipswitch (4 times worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 1.6% fail on Stop lamp (46% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.48% fail on Direction indicators (77% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.48% fail on Flashing type (77% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.22% fail on Individual direction indicators (82% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.20% fail on Side repeaters (72% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.053% fail on All direction indicators (48% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.21% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (89% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.19% fail on Front and rear fog lamps (66% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.19% fail on Rear fog lamp (66% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.19% fail on Rear fog lamp (65% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0031% fail on Switch
    • 0.12% fail on Electrical equipment (65% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.088% fail on Electrical wiring (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Horn (91% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Trailer electrical socket
      • 0.0031% fail on Battery(ies)
    • 0.088% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.072% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.016% fail on Switch (4 times worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.088% fail on Reversing lamps (67% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.088% fail on Reversing lamps (66% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.022% fail on Hazard warning
      • 0.022% fail on Switch
    • 0.0094% fail on Rear reflectors (85% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.0063% fail on Mandatory tell-tales
      • 0.0063% fail on Rear fog lamp tell-tale
  • 3.7% fail on Visibility (30% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 2.6% fail on Washers
    • 0.85% fail on Wipers (67% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.15% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.10% fail on Condition of glass
      • 0.097% fail on Windscreen
      • 0.0063% fail on Window
    • 0.097% fail on View to rear
      • 0.097% fail on Mirrors
    • 0.013% fail on Driver's view
  • 2.8% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (19% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 2.7% fail on Exhaust emissions (17% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 1.9% fail on Spark ignition
        • 1.0% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp
        • 0.88% fail on Catalyst emissions
        • 0.14% fail on Emissions not tested (55% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.022% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.0094% fail on Oxygen sensor (3 times worse than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.0063% fail on Catalytic converter
          • 0.0063% fail on NOx sensor
        • 0.0094% fail on Non catalyst emissions
      • 0.88% fail on Compression ignition (30% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.49% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp
        • 0.19% fail on Emissions not tested (61% worse than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.16% fail on On or after 01/07/2008 (75% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.028% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.016% fail on Catalytic converter (3 times worse than other 2010 cars)
          • 0.0094% fail on Particulate filter
          • 0.0031% fail on Oxygen sensor
        • 0.025% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Non turbo
        • 0.019% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Turbo
        • 0.013% fail on On or after 01/01/2014
    • 0.088% fail on Fluid leaks (57% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.079% fail on Engine oil leaks (53% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Other leaks
      • 0.0031% fail on Hydraulic fluid leaks
    • 0.016% fail on Noise suppression
      • 0.013% fail on Undertray
      • 0.0031% fail on Sound deadening material
  • 1.5% fail on Body, chassis, structure (61% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 1.1% fail on Exhaust system (37% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.15% fail on Fuel system (32% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.088% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device (37% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.028% fail on Tank
      • 0.016% fail on System
      • 0.0094% fail on Pipe
      • 0.0063% fail on Hose
    • 0.11% fail on Transmission (93% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.10% fail on Drive shafts (93% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.060% fail on Joints (96% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.044% fail on Drive shaft (2 times worse than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Prop shafts (86% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0094% fail on Flexible couplings
    • 0.069% fail on Bumpers
    • 0.060% fail on Undertray
    • 0.047% fail on Doors (75% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.031% fail on Front passenger's door (56% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.025% fail on Door condition (63% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0063% fail on Catch
      • 0.0094% fail on Other passenger's door (86% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0094% fail on Door condition (86% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Driver's door (88% better than other 2010 cars)
        • 0.0063% fail on Door condition (87% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.025% fail on Body (71% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.019% fail on Other body component (71% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0063% fail on Panel
    • 0.016% fail on Seats (80% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0094% fail on Passenger's seat
      • 0.0063% fail on Driver's seat (87% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.016% fail on Boot lid
      • 0.0094% fail on Boot lid condition
      • 0.0063% fail on Other boot lid component
    • 0.0063% fail on Chassis
      • 0.0031% fail on Chassis condition
      • 0.0031% fail on Strengthening plate
    • 0.0031% fail on Engine mounting
      • 0.0031% fail on Engine mounting condition
    • 0.0031% fail on Load security
      • 0.0031% fail on Access panel
    • 0.0031% fail on Passenger compartment
  • 1.3% fail on Road Wheels (190% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.72% fail on Attachment (110% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.64% fail on Condition (4 times worse than other 2010 cars)
  • 0.82% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems
    • 0.58% fail on SRS malfunction indicator lamp (24% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.23% fail on Seat belts (47% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.20% fail on Condition (45% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.025% fail on Requirements
      • 0.0031% fail on Prescribed areas
      • 0.0031% fail on Pre-tensioners
    • 0.0094% fail on Airbags
      • 0.0094% fail on Drivers airbag
  • 0.59% fail on Identification of the vehicle (40% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.58% fail on Registration plates (40% worse than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.0031% fail on Vehicle Identification Number
  • 0.39% fail on Steering (84% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.22% fail on Steering linkage components (88% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.20% fail on Track rod end (89% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Ball joint (80% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.0031% fail on Steering arm
      • 0.0031% fail on Other components
        • 0.0031% fail on Steering linkage
      • 0.0031% fail on Locking devices
    • 0.085% fail on Steering gear (72% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.085% fail on Steering rack (71% better than other 2010 cars)
    • 0.041% fail on Electronic power steering
    • 0.025% fail on Power steering (69% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Operation
      • 0.0063% fail on Other components
      • 0.0031% fail on Pipes and hoses
      • 0.0031% fail on Pump
    • 0.013% fail on Steering wheel
    • 0.013% fail on Steering play (78% better than other 2010 cars)
      • 0.013% fail on Steering rack (78% better than other 2010 cars)
  • 0.0031% fail on Speedometer and speed limiter
    • 0.0031% fail on Speedometer
  • 0.0031% fail on Buses and coaches supplementary tests
    • 0.0031% fail on Doors
      • 0.0031% fail on Emergency exits
  • 0.0031% fail on Seat belt installation check
    • 0.0031% fail on Anchorages

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