2011 · 13 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2011 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

27,268 MOT tests in 2024. 68.7% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time68.7%
Failed or needed repairs31.4%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 27,268 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    1,381 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.7%
    1,079 marked dangerous
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.2%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
    679 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.3%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.9%
  2. Suspension11.0%
  3. Brakes10.4%
  4. Tyres9.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.9%
  7. Body & chassis2.1%
  8. Wheels1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.7%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak12.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.3%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2010 3 SeriesAll 3 Series years2012 3 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 68.7% of 2011 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 27,268 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; position lamp: not working; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2011 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).