2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

29,555 MOT tests in 2024. 85.2% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time85.2%
Failed or needed repairs14.8%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 29,555 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    1,030 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
    591 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    568 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    523 marked dangerous
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.3%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  9. Road Wheels - attachment: fixing missing0.4%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.7%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Brakes2.9%
  4. Suspension2.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  6. Wheels0.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.0%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.4%

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: 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 2017 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 85.2% of 2017 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 29,555 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 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; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).