2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

31,140 MOT tests in 2024. 83.6% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time83.6%
Failed or needed repairs16.4%
Typical mileage at test76,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 31,140 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    1,176 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    592 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    561 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    419 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.8%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.5%
  10. Side repeaters: not working0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.4%
  2. Lights & electrics5.2%
  3. Brakes3.3%
  4. Suspension2.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  7. Wheels0.8%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.9%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.9%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.8%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 83.6% of 2016 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 31,140 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 BMW 3 Series?

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

Is the 2016 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).