1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

464 MOT tests in 2024. 73.3% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time73.3%
Failed or needed repairs26.7%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 464 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working2.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.4%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low1.9%
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.9%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.7%
  10. Position lamp: not working1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics20.5%
  2. Brakes12.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.9%
  4. Suspension9.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  6. Body & chassis5.0%
  7. Steering3.4%
  8. Tyres3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.6%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.9%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1993 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 73.3% of 1993 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 464 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rear fog lamp: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 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).