2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

7,966 MOT tests in 2024. 83.1% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time83.1%
Failed or needed repairs16.9%
Typical mileage at test59,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,966 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    252 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    200 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    159 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    61 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.0%
  2. Lights & electrics4.5%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  4. Suspension2.8%
  5. Brakes2.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  7. Wheels0.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.1%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.1%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.6%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 X3?

In 2024, 83.1% of 2017 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,966 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; coil spring: fractured or broken; 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 2017 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).