BMW X3 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 97,781 MOT tests on the BMW X3 carried out in 2023. 20% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 X3s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (75% passed, +14.3 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (90%, +2.2 points). Tested cars had covered 71,016 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 7.0% of tests (noticeably below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 2.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 97,781
- First-time pass rate
- 80%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +8.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 71,016
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular X3?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
X3 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 573 | 93% | 91% | +2.3 points | 23,132 |
| 2020 | 7,799 | 90% | 88% | +2.2 points | 26,211 |
| 2019 | 16,019 | 90% | 86% | +4.2 points | 33,135 |
| 2018 | 8,180 | 88% | 84% | +3.9 points | 40,709 |
| 2017 | 8,116 | 85% | 82% | +3.5 points | 52,239 |
| 2016 | 9,092 | 81% | 79% | +2.2 points | 61,296 |
| 2015 | 7,079 | 79% | 75% | +3.6 points | 73,224 |
| 2014 | 6,176 | 76% | 72% | +4.2 points | 83,056 |
| 2013 | 7,249 | 74% | 68% | +5.4 points | 91,307 |
| 2012 | 6,962 | 71% | 66% | +5.4 points | 98,550 |
| 2011 | 4,184 | 74% | 63% | +11.1 points | 105,064 |
| 2010 | 959 | 75% | 60% | +14.3 points | 107,977 |
| 2009 | 1,476 | 70% | 59% | +10.7 points | 112,287 |
| 2008 | 1,718 | 69% | 57% | +11.1 points | 116,810 |
| 2007 | 2,686 | 65% | 57% | +8.2 points | 126,053 |
| 2006 | 3,727 | 64% | 56% | +8.1 points | 132,447 |
| 2005 | 3,125 | 61% | 56% | +4.6 points | 138,003 |
| 2004 | 2,651 | 61% | 56% | +5.1 points | 121,631 |
Why the BMW X3 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | X3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.0% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 4.8% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 3.6% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Body and structure | 0.7% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working2.9%
- 2fractured or broken2.6%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
- 6has ply or cords exposed1.5%
- 7less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
- 8projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.3%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
- 10not working on dipped beam0.9%
Common X3 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used X3, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.8% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 5.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.7% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.7% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.1% |
Tips to help your X3 pass
Based on where X3s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.0% of X3 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 3.6% of X3 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the X3 ULEZ compliant? See the BMW X3 ULEZ check, or view all BMW models.
Other BMW models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 97,781 first MOT tests of the BMW X3 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 97,781 first MOT tests of the BMW X3.
What is the BMW X3 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 20% of 97,781 first MOT attempts on the BMW X3 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a BMW X3 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (7.0% of tests), tyres (5.9% of tests), suspension (4.8% of tests).
Which X3 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +14.3 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 90% (+2.2 points).
How many miles had a typical BMW X3 covered at its MOT?
The average was 71,016 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 23,132 miles and 2004 cars 121,631.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the BMW X3?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.9% of X3s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific X3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 97,781 X3s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 61% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any X3's MOT history
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