BMW reliability and common MOT problems by model
BMW shows a 15.0% combined MOT failure rate across 2,170,646 tests in Motintel data. I3 has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 8.2%. 120 deserves extra checking at 18.6%.
Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.
BMW combined failure rate: 15.0% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #9 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest).
Which BMW models look strongest?
I3 (8.2%), 2 Series (9.4%), 320 (10.1%), 330 (11.0%), 218 (11.3%)
Which BMW models need extra caution?
120 (18.6%), 3 Series (18.6%), 530 (17.8%), Z4 (16.9%), 116 (16.8%)
Most reliable BMW models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW I3 | 8.2% | 21,917 tests | 19,542 vehicles |
| 2 | BMW 2 Series | 9.4% | 23,268 tests | 19,783 vehicles |
| 3 | BMW 320 | 10.1% | 43,304 tests | 37,308 vehicles |
| 4 | BMW 330 | 11.0% | 23,861 tests | 20,123 vehicles |
| 5 | BMW 218 | 11.3% | 52,651 tests | 44,958 vehicles |
BMW models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW 120 | 18.6% | 54,300 tests | 42,813 vehicles |
| 2 | BMW 3 Series | 18.6% | 495,173 tests | 392,827 vehicles |
| 3 | BMW 530 | 17.8% | 29,175 tests | 23,521 vehicles |
| 4 | BMW Z4 | 16.9% | 41,916 tests | 34,050 vehicles |
| 5 | BMW 116 | 16.8% | 131,206 tests | 105,740 vehicles |
Common BMW MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 188,167 MOT notes | 18 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | BMW Z4, BMW 3 Series, BMW 530 |
| 2 | Suspension and steering | 159,009 MOT notes | 18 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | BMW 530, BMW X5, BMW 520 |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 119,375 MOT notes | 18 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | BMW 530, BMW X5, BMW Z4 |
| 4 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 119,019 MOT notes | 18 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | BMW 120, BMW 116, BMW 530 |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 112,625 MOT notes | 18 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | BMW 530, BMW 3 Series, BMW Z4 |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 36,600 MOT notes | 18 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | BMW X5, BMW X1, BMW 420 |
All BMW model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Series | 495,173 | 392,827 | 18.6% |
| 118 | 167,079 | 135,618 | 15.5% |
| 116 | 131,206 | 105,740 | 16.8% |
| X1 | 113,461 | 94,409 | 12.4% |
| X3 | 109,562 | 89,983 | 14.6% |
| X5 | 102,382 | 81,565 | 16.2% |
| 520 | 97,218 | 77,756 | 16.7% |
| 1 Series | 96,352 | 79,564 | 14.5% |
| 5 Series | 83,777 | 68,092 | 12.5% |
| 420 | 71,832 | 60,662 | 12.1% |
| 120 | 54,300 | 42,813 | 18.6% |
| 218 | 52,651 | 44,958 | 11.3% |
| 320 | 43,304 | 37,308 | 10.1% |
| Z4 | 41,916 | 34,050 | 16.9% |
| 530 | 29,175 | 23,521 | 17.8% |
| 330 | 23,861 | 20,123 | 11.0% |
| 2 Series | 23,268 | 19,783 | 9.4% |
| I3 | 21,917 | 19,542 | 8.2% |
| 525 limited data | 18,842 | 14,848 | 20.8% |
| M3 limited data | 17,399 | 15,143 | 10.9% |
| 220 limited data | 17,118 | 14,287 | 12.3% |
| X4 limited data | 16,592 | 14,007 | 11.4% |
| X6 limited data | 15,862 | 13,100 | 13.0% |
| Z3 limited data | 15,351 | 12,006 | 22.4% |
| 430 limited data | 14,793 | 12,662 | 11.3% |
| 435 limited data | 14,681 | 12,337 | 11.7% |
| 316 limited data | 13,993 | 11,045 | 19.4% |
| M4 limited data | 12,961 | 10,908 | 10.5% |
| 640 limited data | 11,829 | 9,719 | 14.0% |
| 730 limited data | 11,495 | 9,472 | 13.7% |
| R Series limited data | 11,039 | 10,362 | 4.2% |
| R1200 limited data | 10,737 | 10,188 | 2.9% |
| 318 limited data | 10,120 | 8,591 | 11.2% |
| 535 limited data | 10,055 | 8,507 | 14.5% |
| S 1000 limited data | 9,099 | 8,568 | 3.7% |
| X2 limited data | 7,431 | 6,239 | 10.7% |
| R1250 limited data | 7,307 | 6,812 | 1.8% |
| R 1200 limited data | 6,930 | 6,524 | 3.6% |
| 6 Series limited data | 5,980 | 4,954 | 11.7% |
| 216 limited data | 5,376 | 4,484 | 13.1% |
| 440 limited data | 5,360 | 4,624 | 9.6% |
| 335 limited data | 5,334 | 4,562 | 10.0% |
| 125 limited data | 5,304 | 4,361 | 14.5% |
| K Series limited data | 5,246 | 4,898 | 6.2% |
| M135i Xdrive Auto limited data | 5,210 | 4,406 | 7.8% |
| M5 limited data | 4,466 | 3,889 | 10.8% |
| 123 limited data | 4,455 | 3,453 | 20.7% |
| 520d M Sport Mhev Auto limited data | 4,234 | 3,413 | 9.7% |
| 114 limited data | 4,139 | 3,318 | 17.4% |
| F Series limited data | 4,075 | 3,734 | 7.2% |
| 7 Series limited data | 3,812 | 2,990 | 10.1% |
| M2 limited data | 3,631 | 3,108 | 9.3% |
| 630 limited data | 3,594 | 2,901 | 19.1% |
| 740 limited data | 3,569 | 2,944 | 10.5% |
| 218i M Sport Auto limited data | 3,532 | 2,997 | 9.3% |
| 428 limited data | 3,213 | 2,747 | 11.9% |
| R Ninet limited data | 3,196 | 3,039 | 2.8% |
| 523 limited data | 3,059 | 2,380 | 22.1% |
| 225 limited data | 2,813 | 2,358 | 10.4% |
| 518 limited data | 2,718 | 2,212 | 13.7% |
| F 800 limited data | 2,643 | 2,465 | 4.1% |
| I8 limited data | 2,472 | 2,152 | 8.1% |
| 528 limited data | 2,445 | 1,932 | 19.9% |
| 635 limited data | 2,435 | 1,981 | 18.2% |
| 645 limited data | 2,202 | 1,735 | 22.0% |
| 218i Se limited data | 2,197 | 1,892 | 9.1% |
| 330e M Sport Auto limited data | 2,127 | 1,844 | 10.9% |
| M340i Xdrive Auto limited data | 2,102 | 1,733 | 10.7% |
| 8 Series limited data | 1,913 | 1,515 | 12.4% |
| X2 Sdrive20i Sport Auto limited data | 1,869 | 1,543 | 10.5% |
| 218i M Sport limited data | 1,824 | 1,595 | 9.1% |
| X5 Xdrive45e M Sport Auto limited data | 1,810 | 1,488 | 13.0% |
| 840i Auto limited data | 1,800 | 1,472 | 11.3% |
| X2 Sdrive20i M Sport Auto limited data | 1,704 | 1,469 | 9.0% |
| Alpina limited data | 1,703 | 1,423 | 14.0% |
| Unclassified limited data | 1,691 | 1,440 | 13.8% |
| 330e Se Pro Auto limited data | 1,644 | 1,352 | 13.0% |
| X3 Xdrive20d M Sport Mhev Auto limited data | 1,636 | 1,435 | 8.8% |
| 220i M Sport Auto limited data | 1,629 | 1,398 | 9.8% |
| R1150 limited data | 1,546 | 1,428 | 6.5% |
| K 1600 limited data | 1,510 | 1,399 | 2.8% |
| 650 limited data | 1,508 | 1,226 | 16.8% |
| M6 limited data | 1,506 | 1,297 | 10.1% |
| 4 Series limited data | 1,461 | 1,224 | 14.0% |
| R1100 limited data | 1,457 | 1,333 | 8.0% |
| 218i Sport limited data | 1,455 | 1,221 | 10.4% |
| 225xe M Sport Premium Auto limited data | 1,427 | 1,198 | 9.6% |
| X2 Xdrive20d M Sport Auto limited data | 1,387 | 1,155 | 12.8% |
| 135 limited data | 1,297 | 1,093 | 13.7% |
| G310 limited data | 1,286 | 1,189 | 5.3% |
| X7 limited data | 1,257 | 1,013 | 12.7% |
| 220i Luxury Auto limited data | 1,218 | 1,029 | 8.6% |
| 220d M Sport Auto limited data | 1,210 | 1,023 | 9.8% |
| 320d M Sport Mhev Auto limited data | 1,202 | 1,046 | 10.7% |
| 418 limited data | 1,186 | 971 | 15.3% |
| 218i Se Auto limited data | 1,178 | 1,012 | 9.5% |
| X3 M Competition Auto limited data | 1,161 | 1,017 | 6.6% |
| 130 limited data | 1,068 | 870 | 17.5% |
| M235i Xdrive Auto limited data | 1,047 | 871 | 9.1% |
| 330e Sport Pro Auto limited data | 1,041 | 871 | 12.4% |
| R80 limited data | 1,008 | 952 | 5.0% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.