2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

32,239 MOT tests in 2024. 83.3% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time83.3%
Failed or needed repairs16.7%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 32,239 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    1,499 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp aim: too low1.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    702 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    559 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    417 marked dangerous
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.7%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.7%
  2. Lights & electrics6.0%
  3. Brakes3.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.1%
  5. Suspension1.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.2%
  7. Wheels0.8%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.6%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.7%

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 2017 BMW 1 Series?

In 2024, 83.3% of 2017 BMW 1 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 32,239 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 BMW 1 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; headlamp aim: too low; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 BMW 1 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).