2005 · 19 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2005 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,501 MOT tests in 2024. 60.2% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time60.2%
Failed or needed repairs39.8%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,501 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.8%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    149 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.6%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.6%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.0%
  2. Lights & electrics21.7%
  3. Brakes18.8%
  4. Tyres8.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags7.1%
  7. Body & chassis6.0%
  8. Emissions & leaks6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.0%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. 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 2005 BMW X3?

In 2024, 60.2% of 2005 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,501 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2005 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).