2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

6,831 MOT tests in 2024. 78.4% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time78.4%
Failed or needed repairs21.6%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,831 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    217 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    148 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    132 marked dangerous
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect0.8%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.5%
  2. Tyres6.6%
  3. Suspension6.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  5. Brakes3.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  7. Wheels0.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.2%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)12.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.1%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.5%

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.

← 2014 X3All X3 years2016 X3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW X3?

In 2024, 78.4% of 2015 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,831 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2015 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).