2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

8,809 MOT tests in 2024. 80.4% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time80.4%
Failed or needed repairs19.6%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 8,809 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    258 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    189 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    148 marked dangerous
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.2%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.7%
  2. Suspension6.1%
  3. Lights & electrics5.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  5. Brakes2.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  7. Wheels0.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.8%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.7%

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: 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.

← 2015 X3All X3 years2017 X3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW X3?

In 2024, 80.4% of 2016 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 8,809 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).