2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 BMW 2 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

17,555 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 repairs16.8%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 17,555 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 cords1.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    507 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    348 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    296 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    309 marked dangerous
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.6%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.5%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.7%
  2. Lights & electrics5.5%
  3. Brakes3.0%
  4. Suspension2.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  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 1.6mm15.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.2%

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 2017 BMW 2 Series?

In 2024, 83.3% of 2017 BMW 2 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 17,555 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 BMW 2 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 BMW 2 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).