1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

715 MOT tests in 2024. 77.6% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time77.6%
Failed or needed repairs22.4%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 715 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: too low2.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  4. Individual direction indicators: not working2.2%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working2.2%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.5%
  9. Washers: not working1.4%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.8%
  2. Brakes13.4%
  3. Suspension13.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.0%
  6. Steering3.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.2%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)4.8%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1991 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 77.6% of 1991 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 715 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: too low; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).