BMW 640
From 24,031 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a tyre seriously damaged, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened and a tyre cords visible or damaged. The top issue, a tyre seriously damaged, caused 755 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 | 755 |
| a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 502 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 438 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 260 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 152 |
| any fracture or welding defect on a wheel | 137 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 106 |
| number plate does not conform to the specified requirements | 99 |
| 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 | 89 |
| a wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud | 83 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 19.2% of 640 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 45.5% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £101.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 87.2% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2017 | 86.7% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2016 | 88.7% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2015 | 88.5% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
4 earlier years
| 2014 | 87.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened |
| 2013 | 85.9% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2012 | 84.8% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2011 | 87.1% | a tyre seriously damaged, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened |
Typical mileage
Half of all 640s tested had between 27,071 and 87,127 miles on the clock.
At 67,972 median miles, the 640 has 0.019 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 640 MOT pass rate?
The BMW 640 has a 87.2% MOT pass rate based on 24,031 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a BMW 640?
The most common MOT failure on the BMW 640 is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 755 failures. Other common issues include a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened.
What is the typical mileage of a BMW 640 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a BMW 640 is 67,972 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 27,071 and 87,127 miles.
Buying a used 640?
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.