1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

1,231 MOT tests in 2024. 77.0% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time77.0%
Failed or needed repairs23.0%
Typical mileage at test119,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,231 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low3.4%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.2%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.7%
  5. Position lamp: not working1.7%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working1.6%
  7. Individual direction indicators: not working1.5%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.3%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.2%
  10. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.7%
  2. Brakes10.1%
  3. Suspension9.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.6%
  7. Steering3.1%
  8. Tyres1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.8%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded4.8%

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: headlamp aim: too low. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 3 Series years1991 3 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 77.0% of 1990 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,231 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).