2014 · 10 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2014 BMW 4 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

12,493 MOT tests in 2024. 79.1% passed first time, compared with 69.9% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time79.1%
Failed or needed repairs20.9%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,493 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    542 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.3%
    444 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.8%
    316 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    285 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.0%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working0.7%
  10. Road Wheels - attachment: fixing missing0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.0%
  2. Lights & electrics6.4%
  3. Suspension5.7%
  4. Brakes4.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  6. Wheels1.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.0%
  8. Body & chassis0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.3%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.4%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2014 BMW 4 Series?

In 2024, 79.1% of 2014 BMW 4 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,493 tests. The average for all 10-year-old cars was 69.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2014 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 2014 BMW 4 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).