2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 BMW 2 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

20,550 MOT tests in 2024. 80.9% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time80.9%
Failed or needed repairs19.1%
Typical mileage at test59,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 20,550 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    627 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    457 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    409 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.4%
    400 marked dangerous
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.0%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.9%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres8.2%
  2. Lights & electrics7.3%
  3. Suspension3.4%
  4. Brakes3.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.6%
  7. Wheels1.0%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.7%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.7%

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 2016 BMW 2 Series?

In 2024, 80.9% of 2016 BMW 2 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 20,550 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 BMW 2 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 BMW 2 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).