1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 BMW 8 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

138 MOT tests in 2024. 77.5% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time77.5%
Failed or needed repairs22.5%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 138 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.6%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.9%
  4. Headlamp aim: too low2.9%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  6. Washers: not working2.9%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  8. Individual direction indicators: not working2.2%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.4%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks12.3%
  3. Suspension12.3%
  4. Brakes7.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  6. Body & chassis4.3%
  7. Steering2.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.7%
  4. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded9.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.8%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 8 Series years1996 8 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 BMW 8 Series?

In 2024, 77.5% of 1995 BMW 8 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 138 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 BMW 8 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1995 BMW 8 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).