BMW 320
From 67,502 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer 320s fare better: 2021 models pass at 89.7% vs 87% for 2013.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements and a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm. The top issue, a tyre seriously damaged, caused 1,487 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 | 1,487 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 1,228 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 694 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 575 |
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 365 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 354 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 259 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 239 |
| a wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud | 201 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 154 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 54.3% of 320 failures are safety items (worn brakes, tyre damage, steering play). The car still drives, but you shouldn't. Only 9.3% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89.7% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2020 | 90.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2019 | 90.5% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2018 | 89.6% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a tyre seriously damaged |
12 earlier years
| 2017 | 88.6% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2016 | 87.4% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2015 | 86.8% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2014 | 79.6% | a tyre seriously damaged, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2013 | 87% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2012 | 78.4% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2011 | 79.6% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2010 | 84.7% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm |
| 2009 | 77.2% | a wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2008 | 81.3% | a tyre cords visible or damaged, emissions levels exceed default limits |
| 2007 | 67.8% | a flexible brake hose excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
| 2006 | 69.9% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
Typical mileage
Half of all 320s tested had between 54,172 and 83,614 miles on the clock.
At 61,728 median miles, the 320 has 0.018 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 320 MOT pass rate?
The BMW 320 has a 89% MOT pass rate based on 67,502 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a BMW 320?
The most common MOT failure on the BMW 320 is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 1,487 failures. Other common issues include tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements.
What is the typical mileage of a BMW 320 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a BMW 320 is 61,728 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 54,172 and 83,614 miles.
Buying a used 320?
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.