BMW Z4 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 35,539 MOT tests on the BMW Z4 carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Z4s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (80% passed, +21.4 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (84%, +1.9 points). Tested cars had covered 67,789 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 6.7% of tests (slightly below the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 2.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 35,539
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 67,789
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Z4?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Z4 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 | 102 | 99% | 91% | +8.2 points | 14,064 |
| 2020 | 1,570 | 92% | 88% | +4.5 points | 16,588 |
| 2019 | 2,068 | 90% | 86% | +3.5 points | 20,499 |
| 2017 | 146 | 84% | 82% | +1.9 points | 34,255 |
| 2016 | 1,240 | 84% | 79% | +5.2 points | 35,640 |
| 2015 | 1,604 | 86% | 75% | +10.2 points | 42,563 |
| 2014 | 1,959 | 85% | 72% | +13.2 points | 48,478 |
| 2013 | 1,605 | 80% | 68% | +12.1 points | 54,102 |
| 2012 | 1,916 | 80% | 66% | +14.7 points | 59,630 |
| 2011 | 2,000 | 82% | 63% | +19.0 points | 61,954 |
| 2010 | 2,019 | 79% | 60% | +18.6 points | 67,337 |
| 2009 | 2,547 | 80% | 59% | +21.4 points | 71,041 |
| 2008 | 1,923 | 71% | 57% | +13.6 points | 77,689 |
| 2007 | 3,283 | 73% | 57% | +15.7 points | 83,700 |
| 2006 | 3,284 | 71% | 56% | +14.7 points | 87,054 |
| 2005 | 2,246 | 65% | 56% | +8.3 points | 91,494 |
| 2004 | 3,312 | 68% | 56% | +11.7 points | 93,624 |
| 2003 | 2,710 | 66% | 57% | +9.0 points | 95,838 |
Why the BMW Z4 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Z4 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.7% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.4% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 5.6% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 4.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.6% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 1.5% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working2.1%
- 2has ply or cords exposed2.0%
- 3fractured or broken1.9%
- 4inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
- 7ball joint excessively worn1.5%
- 8excessively corroded1.5%
- 9warning lamp indicates a fault1.4%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%
Common Z4 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Z4, 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 | 12.7% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.4% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.9% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 2.8% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.3% |
Tips to help your Z4 pass
Based on where Z4s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.4% of Z4 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 · 5.6% of Z4 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 Z4 ULEZ compliant? See the BMW Z4 ULEZ check, or view all BMW models.
Other BMW models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 35,539 first MOT tests of the BMW Z4 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 35,539 first MOT tests of the BMW Z4.
What is the BMW Z4 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 35,539 first MOT attempts on the BMW Z4 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a BMW Z4 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (6.7% of tests), lights and electrics (6.4% of tests), tyres (5.9% of tests).
Which Z4 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +21.4 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 84% (+1.9 points).
How many miles had a typical BMW Z4 covered at its MOT?
The average was 67,789 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 14,064 miles and 2003 cars 95,838.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the BMW Z4?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.9% of Z4s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Z4's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 35,539 Z4s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 99% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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
Check any Z4's MOT history
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