BMW 3-Series MOT Results

Registered in 2017
88.8% pass rate
from 32,891 tests in 2021
(21% better than other 2017 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 2017 cars and highlighted areas where the BMW 3-Series is unusually good or bad.

  • 4.4% fail on Tyres (27% worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 2.8% fail on Condition (43% worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 1.7% fail on Tread depth
    • 0.058% fail on Size/type
  • 1.9% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (30% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 1.1% fail on Headlamp aim (17% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 1.1% fail on Headlamp aim (16% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.036% fail on Headlamp aim not tested
    • 0.38% fail on Headlamps (25% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.35% fail on Headlamp
      • 0.012% fail on Headlamp levelling device
      • 0.012% fail on Headlamp cleaning device (75% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.33% fail on Direction indicators (35% worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.33% fail on Flashing type (35% worse than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.29% fail on Side repeaters (59% worse than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.036% fail on Individual direction indicators
        • 0.0061% fail on All direction indicators
    • 0.043% fail on Stop lamp (87% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.043% fail on Front and rear fog lamps (70% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.043% fail on Rear fog lamp (70% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.043% fail on Rear fog lamp (70% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.033% fail on Reversing lamps
      • 0.033% fail on Reversing lamps
    • 0.033% fail on Electrical equipment
      • 0.027% fail on Horn
      • 0.0030% fail on Trailer electrical socket
      • 0.0030% fail on Electrical wiring
    • 0.015% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (93% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.012% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.0091% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.0030% fail on Switch
    • 0.0030% fail on Rear reflectors
  • 1.5% fail on Visibility (59% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.87% fail on Washers
    • 0.56% fail on Wipers (79% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.079% fail on Condition of glass
      • 0.079% fail on Windscreen
    • 0.024% fail on View to rear
      • 0.021% fail on Mirrors
      • 0.0030% fail on Indirect vision devices
    • 0.0061% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.0030% fail on Driver's view
  • 1.2% fail on Brakes (40% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.90% fail on Mechanical brake components (39% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.81% fail on Brake linings and pads (35% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.81% fail on Brake pads (35% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0091% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.12% fail on Brake discs and drums (65% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.12% fail on Brake discs (65% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.28% fail on Brake performance (43% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.15% fail on Service brake performance (47% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.15% fail on Rbt (46% better than other 2017 cars)
          • 0.12% fail on Service brake performance (50% better than other 2017 cars)
          • 0.036% fail on Service brake imbalance
      • 0.067% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp) (47% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.067% fail on Rbt (sp) (44% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.036% fail on Parking brake performance
        • 0.036% fail on Rbt
          • 0.027% fail on Parking brake performance
          • 0.0061% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
          • 0.0030% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
      • 0.024% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (60% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.021% fail on Rbt (sp) (62% better than other 2017 cars)
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake performance
          • 0.0061% fail on Service brake imbalance (81% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Decelerometer (sp)
      • 0.021% fail on Brake performance not tested
    • 0.040% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever
      • 0.027% fail on Pedal
      • 0.012% fail on Hand lever (68% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.024% fail on Parking brake control (69% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.024% fail on Lever (62% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.018% fail on ABS / EBS / ESC (72% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Electronic braking system
      • 0.0061% fail on Anti-lock braking system (79% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Electronic stability control
    • 0.015% fail on Flexible brake hoses
    • 0.0061% fail on Rigid brake pipes
    • 0.0061% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders)
      • 0.0061% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers
    • 0.0030% fail on Air and vacuum systems
      • 0.0030% fail on Leaks
    • 0.0030% fail on Hydraulic systems
      • 0.0030% fail on Brake fluid
    • 0.0030% fail on Other components and prescribed areas
      • 0.0030% fail on Prescribed areas
        • 0.0030% fail on Other braking system component
  • 0.50% fail on Road Wheels (2 times worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.28% fail on Attachment (160% worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.23% fail on Condition (3 times worse than other 2017 cars)
  • 0.42% fail on Suspension (52% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.18% fail on Suspension arms
      • 0.091% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.058% fail on Pins and bushes (53% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.024% fail on Suspension arm (3 times worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.0091% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.17% fail on Shock absorbers (62% worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.027% fail on Wheel bearings
    • 0.021% fail on Anti-roll bars (84% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Linkage ball joint dust cover
      • 0.0030% fail on Anti-roll bar
      • 0.0030% fail on Linkage
      • 0.0030% fail on Linkage pins and bushes
    • 0.012% fail on Springs (96% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.012% fail on Coil springs (96% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0091% fail on Coil spring (97% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Mounting
    • 0.012% fail on Air/gas/fluid suspension (4 times worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.0091% fail on Other components (18 times worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.0030% fail on Pipes
    • 0.0061% fail on Macpherson strut
      • 0.0030% fail on Macpherson strut
      • 0.0030% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 0.0061% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.0030% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.0030% fail on Ball joint dust cover
  • 0.28% fail on Identification of the vehicle (38% worse than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.28% fail on Registration plates (38% worse than other 2017 cars)
  • 0.26% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (53% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.23% fail on Exhaust emissions (55% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Spark ignition (48% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.14% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp
        • 0.015% fail on Catalyst emissions (86% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0091% fail on Emissions not tested
        • 0.0030% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.0030% fail on Catalytic converter
      • 0.073% fail on Compression ignition (66% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.046% fail on Malfunction indicator lamp (72% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.027% fail on On or after 01/01/2014
        • 0.0061% fail on Emissions not tested
    • 0.027% fail on Fluid leaks
      • 0.018% fail on Engine oil leaks
      • 0.0061% fail on Other leaks
      • 0.0030% fail on Transmission oil leaks
    • 0.0030% fail on Noise suppression
      • 0.0030% fail on Undertray
  • 0.17% fail on Steering
    • 0.15% fail on Steering linkage components (47% worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.14% fail on Track rod end (52% worse than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.0061% fail on Steering arm
      • 0.0030% fail on Drag link end
    • 0.012% fail on Steering gear
      • 0.012% fail on Steering rack
    • 0.0030% fail on Power steering
      • 0.0030% fail on Operation
    • 0.0030% fail on Steering wheel
    • 0.0030% fail on Electronic power steering
  • 0.15% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (36% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.13% fail on Seat belts
      • 0.12% fail on Condition
      • 0.0061% fail on Attachment
      • 0.0061% fail on Requirements
      • 0.0030% fail on Pre-tensioners
    • 0.018% fail on SRS malfunction indicator lamp (83% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.0030% fail on Airbags
      • 0.0030% fail on Drivers airbag
      • 0.0030% fail on Passengers airbag
  • 0.11% fail on Body, chassis, structure (65% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.024% fail on Bumpers
    • 0.018% fail on Transmission (82% better than other 2017 cars)
      • 0.015% fail on Drive shafts (84% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.012% fail on Joints (87% better than other 2017 cars)
        • 0.0030% fail on Drive shaft
      • 0.0030% fail on Prop shafts
        • 0.0030% fail on Flexible couplings
    • 0.018% fail on Body
      • 0.015% fail on Other body component
      • 0.0030% fail on Panel
    • 0.012% fail on Fuel system
      • 0.012% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device
    • 0.012% fail on Seats
      • 0.0091% fail on Passenger's seat
      • 0.0061% fail on Driver's seat
    • 0.0091% fail on Exhaust system (88% better than other 2017 cars)
    • 0.0091% fail on Doors
      • 0.0061% fail on Other passenger's door
        • 0.0061% fail on Door condition
      • 0.0030% fail on Driver's door
        • 0.0030% fail on Door condition
    • 0.0061% fail on Undertray
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