BMW MOT Failure Rates
MOT failure rates for 26 BMW models, ranked from highest to lowest failure rate. Data from official DVSA MOT test records covering 142 million UK MOT tests.
BMW MOT Reliability Overview
Across 26 models with sufficient test data, BMW vehicles have an average MOT failure rate of 13.8%. This puts BMW below the UK national average of 28%, suggesting above-average reliability across the range.
The most reliable BMW model for MOT is the BMW M8 with a 3.8% failure rate. The highest failure rate belongs to the BMW 3 Series at 26.1%.
These figures are calculated from real DVSA MOT test records and represent weighted averages across all vehicle ages and mileage bands. Only models with 100 or more test records are included to ensure statistical reliability.
Which BMW Models Fail MOT Most?
| Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | 26.1% | 1,841,976 |
| BMW Z4 | 21.9% | 156,347 |
| BMW X5 | 20.2% | 438,062 |
| BMW X3 | 19.0% | 444,305 |
| BMW 1 Series | 18.7% | 366,703 |
| BMW 4 Series | 16.2% | 6,068 |
| BMW Alpina | 16.1% | 7,226 |
| BMW 5 Series | 15.5% | 324,022 |
| BMW X1 | 15.5% | 425,354 |
| BMW X6 | 15.2% | 78,192 |
| BMW 6 Series | 14.7% | 24,455 |
| BMW X2 | 14.2% | 64,698 |
| BMW M3 | 13.1% | 83,144 |
| BMW 7 Series | 12.8% | 16,316 |
| BMW X4 | 12.7% | 76,250 |
| BMW X7 | 12.4% | 5,965 |
| BMW M5 | 12.0% | 21,106 |
| BMW 2 Series | 11.4% | 95,397 |
| BMW 8 Series | 11.4% | 7,754 |
| BMW I3 | 11.4% | 85,751 |
| BMW M4 | 10.8% | 65,651 |
| BMW M6 | 10.5% | 7,126 |
| BMW M2 | 9.2% | 20,945 |
| BMW IX | 8.5% | 732 |
| BMW I4 | 5.8% | 521 |
| BMW M8 | 3.8% | 1,796 |
How we calculate failure rates: Rates are weighted averages across all mileage bands for each model. Only models with 100+ test records are shown. Data sourced from official DVSA MOT test records covering 142 million tests.
BMW MOT FAQs
Are BMW cars reliable for MOT?
BMW has 26 models in our database. Overall, BMW vehicles perform well in MOT tests with an average failure rate below the national average of 28%. Click on any model above to see a detailed component-level breakdown.
Which BMW model is best for MOT?
The BMW M8 has the lowest MOT failure rate at 3.8%, making it the most reliable BMW model in our dataset. See full BMW M8 MOT data.
Which BMW model fails MOT most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest failure rate at 26.1%. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad car — higher failure rates often correlate with older average vehicle age. See full BMW 3 Series MOT data.
How can I predict if my BMW will pass its MOT?
AutoSafe offers a free AI-powered MOT prediction tool. Enter your registration number and postcode to get a personalised failure risk assessment based on your specific vehicle’s age, mileage, and MOT history.
Check Your BMW
Enter your reg to get a personalised MOT failure prediction for your specific BMW.
Related Guides
- Top 10 MOT Failure Points
- Pre-MOT Checklist
- MOT Failure Rates by Car
- How to Check MOT History
- Will My Car Pass Its MOT?
Other Makes
Check Your BMW
Enter your reg to get a personalised MOT failure prediction for your specific BMW.
Check Your MOT Risk Free