BMW X3 MOT pass rate
In 2023, the BMW X3 passed 79.1% of its first MOT tests, from 94,163 tests in Great Britain. That is 7.7 points above the 71.4% average for all cars, taxis and light vans.
Most common BMW X3 MOT failures
The area that failed most often was lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, affecting 7.3% of tests. The red line shows the average for all cars.
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 7.3% vs 11.3%
- Tyres 5.9% vs 6.3%
- Suspension 5.0% vs 8.9%
- Brakes 3.7% vs 6.8%
- Visibility 3.7% vs 4.8%
- Noise, emissions and leaks 1.4% vs 3.1%
- Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems 1.1% vs 1.0%
- Body, chassis, structure 0.8% vs 3.4%
- Tyres: condition 3.9% vs 3.7%
- Headlamp aim 3.0% vs 3.3%
- Coil spring 2.7% vs 2.6%
- Tread depth 2.2% vs 2.6%
- Wipers 1.9% vs 2.2%
- Washers 1.7% vs 2.5%
- Brake pads 1.7% vs 2.1%
- Side repeaters 1.6% vs 0.5%
Top reasons for failure
| Reason for failure | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Coil spring: Fractured or broken | 2.7% |
| Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | 2.1% |
| Wipers: Does not clear the windscreen effectively | 1.9% |
| Tyres: condition: Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 1.8% |
| Tyres: condition: Has ply or cords exposed | 1.5% |
| Side repeaters: Not working | 1.4% |
| Brake pads: Less than 1.5 mm thick | 1.4% |
| Headlamp aim: Projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 1.4% |
| Washers: Provides insufficient washer liquid | 1.2% |
| Headlamp aim: Too low | 1.0% |
BMW X3 pass rate by age
The pass rate changes with age: 89.7% for cars aged 3 to 5 years and 63.6% for those aged 15 years or more. Older cars usually fail more often because parts like suspension, brakes and exhausts wear with time and mileage.
- 3 to 5 years 89.7% vs 71.4%
- 6 to 9 years 80.6% vs 71.4%
- 10 to 14 years 72.6% vs 71.4%
- 15 years or more 63.6% vs 71.4%
Pass rate by fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 82,483 | 78.8% |
| Petrol | 11,650 | 81.3% |
Most common BMW X3 advisories
Advisories do not fail the test, but they often become failures by the next MOT. These were noted most often:
- Tread depth 18.4%
- Vehicle 11.1%
- Brake pads 8.0%
- Brake discs 6.2%
- Tyres: condition 5.6%
- Engine oil leaks 3.4%
- Pins and bushes 2.8%
- Shock absorbers 2.1%
See MOT advisories explained for what to do about them.
How we worked this out
These figures come from DVSA's anonymised MOT testing data for 2023, covering every class 4 MOT test in Great Britain (cars, taxis and light vans). We count normal tests only, not retests. A test counts as a first-time pass if the vehicle passed without any repairs. Tests where defects were fixed at the test centre within an hour (PRS) count as fails, in line with DVSA's own statistics. Failure areas show the share of tests with at least one failure in that area, so the figures add up to more than the fail rate.
Other BMW models
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW X3?
In 2023, 79.1% of BMW X3 MOT tests were passed first time, from 94,163 tests in Great Britain. The average for all cars, taxis and light vans was 71.4%.
What is the most common MOT failure on the BMW X3?
The most common failure area was lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, which caused 7.3% of tests to fail. Next came tyres (5.9%) and suspension (5.0%).
Is the BMW X3 reliable at its MOT?
Its first-time pass rate of 79.1% is 7.7 points above the average and ranks 12 of the 100 most-tested models. Age and mileage matter more than the model, so always check the history of the car you are buying.
How do I check a BMW X3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT history check. You will see every test, the mileage at each test and all failures and advisories.