1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

2,519 MOT tests in 2024. 66.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time66.2%
Failed or needed repairs33.8%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,519 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.9%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.4%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.1%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.7%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    112 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.7%
  2. Suspension17.9%
  3. Brakes16.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks9.6%
  5. Seat belts & airbags6.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  7. Body & chassis5.3%
  8. Tyres5.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.5%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. 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 1999 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 66.2% of 1999 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,519 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).