2007 · 17 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2007 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,194 MOT tests in 2024. 63.6% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time63.6%
Failed or needed repairs36.4%
Typical mileage at test129,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,194 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    141 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.6%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
  7. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.1%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension19.3%
  2. Lights & electrics18.7%
  3. Brakes17.1%
  4. Tyres8.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.1%
  7. Body & chassis5.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm21.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.6%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2007 BMW X3?

In 2024, 63.6% of 2007 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,194 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2007 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).