2020 · 4 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2020 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

19,830 MOT tests in 2024. 86.0% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time86.0%
Failed or needed repairs14.0%
Typical mileage at test39,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 19,830 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    722 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.8%
    494 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    485 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.7%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    193 marked dangerous
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  10. Side repeaters: not working0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres9.6%
  2. Lights & electrics2.0%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  4. Brakes1.3%
  5. Suspension1.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  7. Wheels0.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.1%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.7%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.2%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 86.0% of 2020 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 19,830 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).