BMW 3-Series MOT Results

Registered in 2011
72.2% pass rate
from 33,364 tests in 2021
(22% better than other 2011 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 2011 cars and highlighted areas where the BMW 3-Series is unusually good or bad.

  • 7.3% fail on Tyres (23% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 3.9% fail on Tread depth (19% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 3.8% fail on Condition (33% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.13% fail on Size/type
  • 6.5% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (37% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 2.3% fail on Headlamp aim (13% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 2.1% fail on Headlamp aim (13% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.23% fail on Headlamp aim not tested
    • 2.1% fail on Headlamps (19% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 1.8% fail on Headlamp (26% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.23% fail on Headlamp cleaning device (3 times worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.084% fail on Headlamp levelling device
      • 0.024% fail on Dipswitch (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0060% fail on Matched pair (9 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 1.8% fail on Stop lamp (25% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.39% fail on Direction indicators (78% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.39% fail on Flashing type (78% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.17% fail on Individual direction indicators (83% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.17% fail on Side repeaters (74% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.045% fail on All direction indicators
    • 0.25% fail on Front and rear fog lamps (44% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Rear fog lamp (43% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.25% fail on Rear fog lamp (43% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.20% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (88% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.10% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.078% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.024% fail on Switch (8 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.099% fail on Reversing lamps (57% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.093% fail on Reversing lamps (59% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0060% fail on Reversing lamp switch
    • 0.087% fail on Electrical equipment (68% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.054% fail on Electrical wiring (170% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.018% fail on Horn (89% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Trailer electrical socket
      • 0.0030% fail on Battery(ies)
    • 0.015% fail on Hazard warning (77% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.015% fail on Switch (77% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.015% fail on Rear reflectors (73% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.015% fail on Mandatory tell-tales
      • 0.012% fail on Rear fog lamp tell-tale
      • 0.0090% fail on Main beam tell-tale
  • 5.6% fail on Brakes (18% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 2.8% fail on Brake performance (12% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 1.6% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp) (20% worse than other 2011 cars)
        • 1.6% fail on Rbt (sp) (26% worse than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.012% fail on Decelerometer (sp) (83% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
      • 1.0% fail on Service brake performance (37% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.99% fail on Rbt (37% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.92% fail on Service brake performance (32% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.12% fail on Service brake imbalance (60% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.021% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake performance
          • 0.0060% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.39% fail on Parking brake performance (34% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.36% fail on Rbt (37% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.28% fail on Parking brake performance (45% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.063% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.021% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.030% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.024% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance) (170% worse than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.0030% fail on Parking brake performance
          • 0.0030% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.0030% fail on Decelerometer
          • 0.0030% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.22% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (53% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.22% fail on Rbt (sp) (51% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.13% fail on Service brake performance (42% better than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.12% fail on Service brake imbalance (59% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.081% fail on Brake performance not tested
    • 2.2% fail on Mechanical brake components (25% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 1.8% fail on Brake linings and pads (11% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 1.8% fail on Brake pads (11% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0060% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.50% fail on Brake discs and drums (52% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.50% fail on Brake discs (52% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0060% fail on Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages (92% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Cable
        • 0.0030% fail on Lever
    • 0.83% fail on ABS / EBS / ESC (80% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.65% fail on Anti-lock braking system (98% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.33% fail on Electronic stability control (50% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.051% fail on Electronic braking system (200% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.13% fail on Parking brake control (55% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.12% fail on Lever (54% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.018% fail on Electronic parking brake (64% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.12% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders)
      • 0.11% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers (58% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Hydraulic brake cylinder
    • 0.12% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever (54% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.099% fail on Hand lever (37% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.021% fail on Pedal (80% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.066% fail on Flexible brake hoses
    • 0.051% fail on Rigid brake pipes (91% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.027% fail on Other components and prescribed areas (160% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.024% fail on Other components (190% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Additional braking device
    • 0.024% fail on Hydraulic systems (67% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.015% fail on Brake fluid (72% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0060% fail on Reservoirs
      • 0.0030% fail on Servos
    • 0.0060% fail on Air and vacuum systems
      • 0.0030% fail on Leaks
      • 0.0030% fail on Servos
    • 0.0030% fail on Low pressure warning
      • 0.0030% fail on Full power hydraulic systems
    • 0.0030% fail on Hand operated control valves
      • 0.0030% fail on Condition
    • 0.0030% fail on Load sensing valves
  • 4.7% fail on Suspension (58% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 2.7% fail on Shock absorbers (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 1.0% fail on Suspension arms (72% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.66% fail on Pins and bushes (59% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.28% fail on Ball joint (85% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.066% fail on Ball joint dust cover (82% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.045% fail on Suspension arm (49% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.61% fail on Springs (87% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.61% fail on Coil springs (87% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.61% fail on Coil spring (87% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0060% fail on Mounting
    • 0.33% fail on Anti-roll bars (87% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Linkage ball joints (80% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.063% fail on Linkage ball joint dust cover (92% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.039% fail on Linkage (79% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.030% fail on Ball joint dust cover (91% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.027% fail on Ball joint (89% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Anti-roll bar
      • 0.0060% fail on Linkage pins and bushes (94% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.19% fail on Wheel bearings (57% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.099% fail on Other suspension component (48% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.072% fail on Pins and bushes (79% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.018% fail on Ball joint (84% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.0030% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0030% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.024% fail on Suspension rods
      • 0.0090% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.0060% fail on Suspension rod
      • 0.0060% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.0030% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 0.015% fail on Macpherson strut (87% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0030% fail on Pins and bushes
    • 0.0090% fail on Axles (91% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Stub axle
      • 0.0030% fail on Swivel joints/housing
      • 0.0030% fail on Swivel pins and bushes
    • 0.0060% fail on Sub-frames (95% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Sub-frame
      • 0.0030% fail on Pins and bushes
    • 0.0030% fail on Air/gas/fluid suspension
      • 0.0030% fail on Suspension unit
    • 0.0030% fail on Component mounting prescribed areas
  • 3.6% fail on Visibility (24% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 2.5% fail on Washers
    • 0.82% fail on Wipers (66% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.14% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.13% fail on View to rear
      • 0.13% fail on Mirrors
    • 0.12% fail on Condition of glass (51% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.12% fail on Windscreen (53% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.027% fail on Driver's view
  • 2.3% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (9.5% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 2.1% fail on Exhaust emissions (10.0% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 1.4% fail on Spark ignition
        • 0.73% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp
        • 0.70% fail on Catalyst emissions
        • 0.10% fail on Emissions not tested (54% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0060% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.0030% fail on Oxygen sensor
          • 0.0030% fail on NOx sensor
        • 0.0030% fail on Non catalyst emissions
      • 0.69% fail on Compression ignition (18% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.37% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp
        • 0.17% fail on On or after 01/07/2008 (39% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.13% fail on Emissions not tested
        • 0.033% fail on Emission control equipment (190% worse than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.018% fail on Particulate filter (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.012% fail on Other emission control equipment (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
          • 0.0030% fail on Catalytic converter
        • 0.015% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Turbo
        • 0.015% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Non turbo
        • 0.012% fail on On or after 01/01/2014
        • 0.0030% fail on Pre 01/01/1980 visual
    • 0.13% fail on Fluid leaks
      • 0.11% fail on Engine oil leaks
      • 0.015% fail on Other leaks
    • 0.036% fail on Noise suppression
      • 0.033% fail on Undertray (130% worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Sound deadening material
  • 1.4% fail on Road Wheels (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.73% fail on Attachment (130% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.72% fail on Condition (5 times worse than other 2011 cars)
  • 1.3% fail on Body, chassis, structure (58% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.83% fail on Exhaust system (35% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.15% fail on Fuel system
      • 0.13% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device
      • 0.0090% fail on Tank
      • 0.0060% fail on Pipe
      • 0.0030% fail on Hose
    • 0.13% fail on Transmission (90% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.072% fail on Drive shafts (94% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.036% fail on Drive shaft (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.033% fail on Joints (97% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Bearing housing
      • 0.057% fail on Prop shafts
        • 0.051% fail on Flexible couplings (15 times worse than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Prop shaft
        • 0.0030% fail on Joints
    • 0.075% fail on Bumpers
    • 0.042% fail on Body
      • 0.030% fail on Other body component
      • 0.0090% fail on Panel
      • 0.0030% fail on Body condition
    • 0.033% fail on Doors (79% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Driver's door (72% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.012% fail on Door condition (70% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Front passenger's door (80% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.012% fail on Door condition (79% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Other passenger's door (84% better than other 2011 cars)
        • 0.0090% fail on Door condition (84% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.030% fail on Undertray
    • 0.021% fail on Boot lid
      • 0.021% fail on Boot lid condition
    • 0.015% fail on Seats (73% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.015% fail on Driver's seat
    • 0.0060% fail on Engine mounting
      • 0.0030% fail on Engine mounting condition
      • 0.0030% fail on Bracket
    • 0.0060% fail on Load security
      • 0.0060% fail on Access panel (5 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.0060% fail on Passenger compartment (6 times worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.0030% fail on Integral vehicle structure
      • 0.0030% fail on Integral vehicle structure condition
    • 0.0030% fail on Spare wheel
      • 0.0030% fail on Spare wheel condition
  • 0.70% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems
    • 0.48% fail on SRS malfunction indicator lamp
    • 0.22% fail on Seat belts (38% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.21% fail on Condition (33% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Attachment
      • 0.0030% fail on Requirements
      • 0.0030% fail on Pre-tensioners
    • 0.0090% fail on Airbags
      • 0.0090% fail on Drivers airbag
  • 0.59% fail on Identification of the vehicle (57% worse than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.59% fail on Registration plates (57% worse than other 2011 cars)
  • 0.37% fail on Steering (80% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.22% fail on Steering linkage components (86% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Track rod end (89% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.018% fail on Ball joint (74% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.018% fail on Locking devices
      • 0.012% fail on Other components
        • 0.012% fail on Steering linkage (2 times worse than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Drag link end
      • 0.0060% fail on Steering arm
      • 0.0030% fail on Intermediate drop arm
    • 0.099% fail on Steering gear (50% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.096% fail on Steering rack (49% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Operation
    • 0.024% fail on Electronic power steering
    • 0.015% fail on Power steering (78% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0090% fail on Operation (76% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.0060% fail on Pipes and hoses
    • 0.012% fail on Steering play (77% better than other 2011 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Steering rack (76% better than other 2011 cars)
    • 0.0030% fail on Steering wheel
    • 0.0030% fail on Steering column
    • 0.0030% fail on Steering coupling
      • 0.0030% fail on Universal joint
  • 0.0060% fail on Seat belt installation check
    • 0.0030% fail on Anchorages
    • 0.0030% fail on Belt(s)/padding
  • 0.0030% fail on Speedometer and speed limiter
    • 0.0030% fail on Speedometer
  • 0.0030% fail on Buses and coaches supplementary tests
    • 0.0030% fail on Doors
      • 0.0030% fail on Passenger entrance/exit doors

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