2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

31,108 MOT tests in 2024. 81.1% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time81.1%
Failed or needed repairs18.9%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 31,108 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    1,354 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    682 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    606 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.4%
    565 marked dangerous
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.2%
  7. Position lamp: not working1.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.8%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.8%
  2. Tyres8.3%
  3. Brakes3.9%
  4. Suspension2.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.0%
  7. Wheels0.8%
  8. Body & chassis0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.9%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2014 3 SeriesAll 3 Series years2016 3 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 81.1% of 2015 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 31,108 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2015 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).