2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 BMW 4 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

4,450 MOT tests in 2024. 87.9% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time87.9%
Failed or needed repairs12.1%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,450 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 cords2.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1%
    134 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.5%
    107 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    117 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
    61 marked dangerous
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.5%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    23 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    16 marked dangerous
  10. Horn: not working0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres9.2%
  2. Brakes1.9%
  3. Lights & electrics1.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  5. Wheels0.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  8. Suspension0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.5%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.4%

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 4 Series?

In 2024, 87.9% of 2020 BMW 4 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,450 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 BMW 4 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 ply or cords exposed; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 BMW 4 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).