2010 · 14 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2010 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

889 MOT tests in 2024. 73.2% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time73.2%
Failed or needed repairs26.8%
Typical mileage at test111,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 889 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    27 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.6%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    16 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.2%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension10.1%
  2. Brakes9.6%
  3. Lights & electrics9.4%
  4. Tyres5.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  6. Seat belts & airbags2.9%
  7. Body & chassis1.8%
  8. Steering1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.4%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.9%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2010 BMW X3?

In 2024, 73.2% of 2010 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 889 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2010 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).