1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 BMW 8 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

102 MOT tests in 2024. 80.4% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time80.4%
Failed or needed repairs19.6%
Typical mileage at test113,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 102 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low3.9%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.9%
  3. Side repeaters: not working2.0%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.0%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.0%
  7. Horn: not working2.0%
  8. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated2.0%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.0%
  10. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics12.7%
  2. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  3. Brakes6.9%
  4. Suspension5.9%
  5. Seat belts & airbags2.9%
  6. Body & chassis2.9%
  7. Number plates & VIN2.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.6%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded17.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%

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: headlamp aim: too low. 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 1996 BMW 8 Series?

In 2024, 80.4% of 1996 BMW 8 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 102 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 BMW 8 Series?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; side repeaters: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 BMW 8 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).