BMW 228
From 1,171 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer 228s fare better: 2016 models pass at 88.8% vs 86.8% for 2015.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a tyre seriously damaged, a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements. The top issue, a tyre seriously damaged, caused 42 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a tyre seriously damaged | 42 |
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 17 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 11 |
| windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 10 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 10 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 8 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 7 |
| headlamp levelling device inoperative | 7 |
| a headlamp cleaning device inoperative in the case of led or gas discharge systems (hid) | 6 |
| a tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. this includes any lifting of the tread rubber | 5 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 46.3% of 228 failures are safety items (worn brakes, tyre damage, steering play). The car still drives, but you shouldn't. Only 13.8% are the kind that would actually strand you. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £97.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 88.8% | a tyre seriously damaged, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen |
| 2015 | 86.8% | a tyre seriously damaged, a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage |
| 2014 | 84% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, headlamp levelling device inoperative |
Typical mileage
Half of all 228s tested had between 38,015 and 68,061 miles on the clock.
At 50,092 median miles, the 228 has 0.025 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other BMW models
| BMW 3 Series | 79.2% |
| BMW 118 | 82.8% |
| BMW 116 | 78.9% |
| BMW X5 | 85.4% |
| BMW X3 | 83.9% |
Common questions
What is the BMW 228 MOT pass rate?
The BMW 228 has a 87.3% MOT pass rate based on 1,171 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a BMW 228?
The most common MOT failure on the BMW 228 is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 42 failures. Other common issues include a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage.
What is the typical mileage of a BMW 228 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a BMW 228 is 50,092 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 38,015 and 68,061 miles.
Buying a used 228?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.