2014 · 10 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2014 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

31,325 MOT tests in 2024. 77.0% passed first time, compared with 69.9% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time77.0%
Failed or needed repairs23.0%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 31,325 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    1,489 marked dangerous
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    774 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    707 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.2%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    409 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics13.3%
  2. Tyres8.5%
  3. Brakes5.1%
  4. Suspension4.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  6. Wheels1.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.1%
  8. Body & chassis0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.6%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.4%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2014 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 77.0% of 2014 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 31,325 tests. The average for all 10-year-old cars was 69.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2014 BMW 3 Series?

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

Is the 2014 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).