2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

7,890 MOT tests in 2024. 88.1% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time88.1%
Failed or needed repairs11.9%
Typical mileage at test47,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,890 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.7%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    160 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    142 marked dangerous
  5. Side repeaters: not working0.6%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  8. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    35 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.3%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.8%
  3. Lights & electrics2.3%
  4. Brakes1.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  6. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  7. Suspension0.3%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.9%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.9%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2018 BMW X3?

In 2024, 88.1% of 2018 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,890 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 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).