Bmw Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Bmw model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 4,028,257 real MOT tests.
Average Bmw MOT pass rate: 88%
Check Your Bmw's MOT History
See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
88%
Avg pass rate
12%
Avg fail rate
300
Models tested
Bmw Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bmw 735 | 23% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 2 | Bmw 760 | 23% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | Bmw 318d Sport Mhev Auto | 21% | Lighting defects | |
| 4 | Bmw Z3 | 20% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 5 | Bmw X2 Xdrive18d Sport | 20% | DPF/emissions, Lighting defects |
Most Reliable Bmw Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Bmw models least likely to have MOT problems
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bmw M2 Cs Auto | 100% | |
| 2 | Bmw X5 M Competition First Ed A | 100% | |
| 3 | Bmw X1 Sdrive 18i Auto | 100% | |
| 4 | Bmw M3 Competition Touring | 100% | |
| 5 | Bmw 530e M Sport Edition Auto | 100% |
All Bmw Models by Fail Rate
Every Bmw model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 735 | 1996 | 63% | 37% | |
| 760 | 2004 | 63% | 36% | |
| 520 | 1998 | 65% | 32% | |
| 520 | 1996 | 64% | 32% | |
| 523 | 1998 | 68% | 31% | |
| 523 | 1996 | 68% | 30% | |
| 730 | 1995 | 70% | 30% | |
| 525 | 2000 | 70% | 29% | |
| 520 | 1992 | 71% | 29% | |
| 735 | 1997 | 71% | 29% | |
| 330 | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| 518 | 1994 | 71% | 29% | |
| 523 | 1999 | 71% | 28% | |
| 118 | 2004 | 70% | 28% | |
| 316 | 1995 | 72% | 28% | |
| 5 Series | 1999 | 71% | 28% | |
| Unclassified | 2009 | 72% | 28% | |
| 330 | 2007 | 72% | 28% | |
| 1 Series | 2004 | 72% | 27% | |
| 520 | 1997 | 69% | 27% | |
| 518 | 1995 | 69% | 27% | |
| 320 | 2005 | 73% | 27% | |
| 1 Series | 2005 | 73% | 26% | |
| 528 | 1999 | 72% | 26% | |
| 528 | 1998 | 73% | 26% | |
| 520 | 1993 | 74% | 26% | |
| 316 | 2004 | 72% | 25% | |
| 316 | 2001 | 74% | 25% | |
| 520 | 2002 | 74% | 25% | |
| 316 | 2000 | 73% | 25% | |
| 316 | 1994 | 74% | 25% | |
| 316 | 1993 | 75% | 25% | |
| 316 | 2009 | 73% | 25% | |
| 528 | 1996 | 72% | 25% | |
| 320 | 2006 | 74% | 25% | |
| 735 | 1998 | 74% | 25% | |
| 318 | 2008 | 75% | 25% | |
| 750 | 1995 | 69% | 25% | |
| 118 | 2006 | 74% | 24% | |
| 118 | 2005 | 74% | 24% | |
| 116 | 2005 | 75% | 24% | |
| X5 | 2002 | 74% | 24% | |
| 316 | 2003 | 74% | 24% | |
| 520 | 2005 | 72% | 24% | |
| 520 | 2003 | 75% | 24% | |
| 316 | 1996 | 75% | 24% | |
| 520 | 2001 | 75% | 24% | |
| 520 | 1995 | 75% | 24% | |
| 545 | 2004 | 76% | 24% | |
| 523 | 2007 | 76% | 24% |
Showing top 50 of 1386 model/year combinations. View all Bmw models
Bmw MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Bmw cars?
The most common MOT problems on Bmw cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Bmw diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The 735 has the highest average fail rate at 23%.
Which Bmw model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Bmw model in our data is the M2 Cs Auto with an average MOT pass rate of 100%. View all Bmw models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Bmw?
The average MOT pass rate for Bmw is 88%, based on 4,028,257 MOT tests across 300 models. This means about 12% of Bmw cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Bmw
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.