1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW 8 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

104 MOT tests in 2024. 84.6% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

134Well above average
Passed first time84.6%
Failed or needed repairs15.4%
Typical mileage at test100,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 104 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Washers: not working1.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: too low1.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.9%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.0%
  8. Hydraulic brake cylinder: leaking hydraulic fluid1.0%
  9. Stop lamp: not working1.0%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.7%
  2. Suspension8.7%
  3. Brakes6.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks4.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  6. Tyres3.8%
  7. Body & chassis1.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.7%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened6.7%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%

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: washers: not working. 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 1999 BMW 8 Series?

In 2024, 84.6% of 1999 BMW 8 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 104 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW 8 Series?

The most common failure reasons were washers: not working; headlamp aim: too low; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 BMW 8 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 134, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).