BMW 3-Series MOT Results

Registered in 2013
78.2% pass rate
from 36,790 tests in 2021
(26% better than other 2013 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 2013 cars and highlighted areas where the BMW 3-Series is unusually good or bad.

  • 6.8% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (14% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 2.8% fail on Headlamp aim (23% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 2.6% fail on Headlamp aim (25% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.22% fail on Headlamp aim not tested
    • 2.2% fail on Headlamps
      • 1.9% fail on Headlamp
      • 0.24% fail on Headlamp levelling device (2 times worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.11% fail on Headlamp cleaning device (100% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Dipswitch
    • 1.3% fail on Direction indicators (52% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 1.3% fail on Flashing type (52% worse than other 2013 cars)
        • 1.0% fail on Side repeaters (130% worse than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.28% fail on Individual direction indicators (26% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.019% fail on All direction indicators
        • 0.0027% fail on Switch
    • 0.80% fail on Stop lamp (57% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.29% fail on Front and rear fog lamps
      • 0.29% fail on Rear fog lamp
        • 0.29% fail on Rear fog lamp
    • 0.14% fail on Electrical equipment
      • 0.13% fail on Horn
      • 0.011% fail on Electrical wiring
      • 0.0082% fail on Trailer electrical socket
    • 0.11% fail on Reversing lamps (35% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.11% fail on Reversing lamps (34% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.071% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.060% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.011% fail on All position lamps (5 times worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.071% fail on Rear reflectors (71% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.054% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (95% better than other 2013 cars)
  • 6.4% fail on Tyres (25% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 3.6% fail on Condition (42% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 3.1% fail on Tread depth (11% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.11% fail on Size/type
  • 3.3% fail on Brakes (35% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 1.9% fail on Mechanical brake components (28% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 1.5% fail on Brake linings and pads (23% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 1.5% fail on Brake pads (23% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.0082% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.52% fail on Brake discs and drums (41% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.52% fail on Brake discs (40% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 1.3% fail on Brake performance (37% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.65% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp)
        • 0.63% fail on Rbt (sp)
        • 0.011% fail on Decelerometer (sp)
        • 0.0027% fail on Plate brake tester (sp)
      • 0.53% fail on Service brake performance (54% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.52% fail on Rbt (54% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.46% fail on Service brake performance (52% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.076% fail on Service brake imbalance (65% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.014% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.011% fail on Service brake performance
          • 0.0027% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.19% fail on Parking brake performance (44% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.18% fail on Rbt (47% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.11% fail on Parking brake performance (63% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.060% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance) (96% worse than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.0082% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.016% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.0082% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.0054% fail on Parking brake performance
          • 0.0027% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 0.057% fail on Brake performance not tested
      • 0.057% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (81% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.057% fail on Rbt (sp) (81% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.035% fail on Service brake imbalance (84% better than other 2013 cars)
          • 0.027% fail on Service brake performance (75% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.16% fail on ABS / EBS / ESC (41% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.11% fail on Anti-lock braking system (44% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.057% fail on Electronic stability control (59% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.033% fail on Electronic braking system (160% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.087% fail on Parking brake control (57% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.084% fail on Lever (51% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Electronic parking brake
    • 0.068% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever (61% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.049% fail on Hand lever (54% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.019% fail on Pedal (72% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.033% fail on Flexible brake hoses (52% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.016% fail on Rigid brake pipes (95% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.016% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders) (75% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.016% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers (67% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.011% fail on Hydraulic systems (76% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0082% fail on Brake fluid (75% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Valves
    • 0.0082% fail on Other components and prescribed areas
      • 0.0082% fail on Other components
  • 2.4% fail on Visibility (43% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 1.7% fail on Washers (11% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.60% fail on Wipers (73% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.084% fail on Condition of glass
      • 0.084% fail on Windscreen
    • 0.052% fail on View to rear
      • 0.052% fail on Mirrors
    • 0.016% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.0027% fail on Driver's view
  • 2.0% fail on Suspension (73% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.61% fail on Suspension arms (75% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.31% fail on Pins and bushes (67% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Ball joint (81% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.033% fail on Ball joint dust cover (89% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.027% fail on Suspension arm
      • 0.0027% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 0.60% fail on Shock absorbers (61% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.36% fail on Springs (90% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.36% fail on Coil springs (90% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.36% fail on Coil spring (90% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.0027% fail on Mounting
    • 0.30% fail on Anti-roll bars (64% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Linkage ball joint dust cover (34% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.054% fail on Ball joint dust cover (52% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Linkage ball joints (87% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.030% fail on Linkage
      • 0.019% fail on Ball joint (77% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Anti-roll bar
      • 0.0027% fail on Linkage pins and bushes
    • 0.14% fail on Wheel bearings (47% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.016% fail on Macpherson strut (77% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0082% fail on Macpherson strut
      • 0.0054% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.0027% fail on Pins and bushes
    • 0.016% fail on Suspension rods
      • 0.011% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.0027% fail on Suspension rod
      • 0.0027% fail on Pins and bushes
    • 0.016% fail on Other suspension component (86% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0082% fail on Ball joint (88% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.0027% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.0027% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.0027% fail on Axles
      • 0.0027% fail on Swivel pins and bushes
    • 0.0027% fail on Component mounting prescribed areas
  • 1.00% fail on Road Wheels (2 times worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.68% fail on Attachment (180% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.32% fail on Condition (3 times worse than other 2013 cars)
  • 0.61% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (64% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.58% fail on Exhaust emissions (64% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.35% fail on Spark ignition (66% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.23% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp (59% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.11% fail on Catalyst emissions (72% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.024% fail on Emissions not tested (80% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.0054% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.0054% fail on Catalytic converter
      • 0.23% fail on Compression ignition (63% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.17% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp (46% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.024% fail on On or after 01/07/2008 (89% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.024% fail on Emissions not tested
        • 0.0082% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.0027% fail on Particulate filter
          • 0.0027% fail on Exhaust gas recirculation valve
          • 0.0027% fail on Other emission control equipment
        • 0.0027% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Turbo
    • 0.022% fail on Fluid leaks (74% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.022% fail on Engine oil leaks (66% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.0082% fail on Noise suppression
      • 0.0082% fail on Undertray
  • 0.41% fail on Identification of the vehicle (47% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.41% fail on Registration plates (46% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.0027% fail on Vehicle Identification Number
  • 0.39% fail on Steering (70% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.30% fail on Steering linkage components (74% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Track rod end (85% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.071% fail on Ball joint (73% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.060% fail on Drag link end (3 times worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0082% fail on Other components
        • 0.0054% fail on Steering linkage
        • 0.0027% fail on Steering component
      • 0.0027% fail on Intermediate drop arm
      • 0.0027% fail on Steering arm
      • 0.0027% fail on Locking devices
    • 0.046% fail on Steering play (120% worse than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.046% fail on Steering rack (130% worse than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.043% fail on Steering gear
      • 0.038% fail on Steering rack
      • 0.0054% fail on Operation
    • 0.0027% fail on Steering wheel
    • 0.0027% fail on Electronic power steering
  • 0.37% fail on Body, chassis, structure (81% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.095% fail on Doors
      • 0.052% fail on Driver's door (92% worse than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.049% fail on Door condition (97% worse than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.0027% fail on Catch
      • 0.033% fail on Front passenger's door
        • 0.033% fail on Door condition
      • 0.011% fail on Other passenger's door (79% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.011% fail on Door condition (78% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.076% fail on Exhaust system (90% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.057% fail on Fuel system (44% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device (51% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0082% fail on Tank
      • 0.0082% fail on System
      • 0.0027% fail on Hose
      • 0.0027% fail on Pipe
    • 0.049% fail on Bumpers
    • 0.049% fail on Transmission (94% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.035% fail on Drive shafts (96% better than other 2013 cars)
        • 0.035% fail on Joints (95% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.014% fail on Prop shafts
        • 0.0082% fail on Flexible couplings
        • 0.0027% fail on Prop shaft
        • 0.0027% fail on Joints
    • 0.016% fail on Body (66% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.011% fail on Other body component (71% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0027% fail on Body condition
      • 0.0027% fail on Panel
    • 0.011% fail on Seats (73% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0054% fail on Driver's seat (79% better than other 2013 cars)
      • 0.0054% fail on Passenger's seat
    • 0.011% fail on Undertray
    • 0.0054% fail on Engine mounting
      • 0.0054% fail on Engine mounting condition
    • 0.0027% fail on Boot lid
      • 0.0027% fail on Other boot lid component
    • 0.0027% fail on Passenger compartment
  • 0.30% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (44% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.17% fail on Seat belts
      • 0.15% fail on Condition
      • 0.019% fail on Requirements
      • 0.0054% fail on Pre-tensioners
    • 0.12% fail on SRS malfunction indicator lamp (61% better than other 2013 cars)
    • 0.0082% fail on Airbags
      • 0.0054% fail on Passengers airbag
      • 0.0027% fail on Drivers airbag
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