2021 · 3 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2021 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

22,531 MOT tests in 2024. 85.0% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time85.0%
Failed or needed repairs15.0%
Typical mileage at test33,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 22,531 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 cords3.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.4%
    743 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    665 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.9%
    555 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too high1.4%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.5%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.4%
    127 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    116 marked dangerous
  9. Side repeaters: not working0.4%
  10. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres11.0%
  2. Lights & electrics2.7%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  4. Suspension0.9%
  5. Brakes0.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.5%
  7. Wheels0.3%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.3%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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.

← 2020 3 SeriesAll 3 Series years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 85.0% of 2021 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 22,531 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 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; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).