2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

31,309 MOT tests in 2024. 80.4% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time80.4%
Failed or needed repairs19.6%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 31,309 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    1,457 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    735 marked dangerous
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.2%
    499 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    334 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.7%
  2. Tyres7.7%
  3. Brakes4.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.3%
  5. Suspension2.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  7. Wheels1.0%
  8. Body & chassis0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.1%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.1%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.3%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2016 BMW 1 Series?

In 2024, 80.4% of 2016 BMW 1 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 31,309 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 BMW 1 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2016 BMW 1 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).