2013 · 11 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2013 BMW 4 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

1,562 MOT tests in 2024. 78.3% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time78.3%
Failed or needed repairs21.7%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,562 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    97 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    73 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.0%
    40 marked dangerous
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    33 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements0.9%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.8%
  10. Road Wheels - attachment: fixing missing0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.4%
  2. Lights & electrics8.2%
  3. Brakes5.6%
  4. Suspension5.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks2.2%
  7. Wheels0.9%
  8. Body & chassis0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.9%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.6%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.4%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.5%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 4 Series years2014 4 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 BMW 4 Series?

In 2024, 78.3% of 2013 BMW 4 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,562 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 BMW 4 Series?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2013 BMW 4 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).