2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

30,479 MOT tests in 2024. 78.0% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time78.0%
Failed or needed repairs22.0%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 30,479 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    1,561 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
    846 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    536 marked dangerous
  5. Washers: not working1.2%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.1%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    386 marked dangerous
  9. Position lamp: not working1.0%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low1.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics9.9%
  2. Tyres8.7%
  3. Brakes4.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  5. Suspension2.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  7. Wheels1.1%
  8. Body & chassis0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.3%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW 1 Series?

In 2024, 78.0% of 2015 BMW 1 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 30,479 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 BMW 1 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2015 BMW 1 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).