2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 BMW 7 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

309 MOT tests in 2024. 76.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

128Well above average
Passed first time76.0%
Failed or needed repairs24.0%
Typical mileage at test133,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 309 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.2%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.9%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.9%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.6%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    8 marked dangerous
  8. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.3%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.3%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    5 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes12.3%
  2. Suspension12.0%
  3. Lights & electrics8.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  5. Tyres4.5%
  6. Body & chassis4.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.9%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.8%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 2001 BMW 7 Series?

In 2024, 76.0% of 2001 BMW 7 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 309 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 BMW 7 Series?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 BMW 7 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 128, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).