BMW Z1
From 231 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value. The top issue, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, caused 8 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.
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 8 |
| a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 6 |
| parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value | 4 |
| power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning | 4 |
| a suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 3 |
| steering linkage retaining or locking device missing or ineffective | 2 |
| power steering fluid level below minimum mark | 2 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 2 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 1 |
| audible warning inoperative | 1 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 18.2% of Z1 failures are serious (safety or roadside), below the 44.4% average. When this car fails its MOT, it's more likely to be lights, wipers, or emissions than something dangerous. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £62.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 80.2% | a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
Typical mileage
Half of all Z1s tested had between 24,629 and 71,885 miles on the clock.
At 43,163 median miles, the Z1 has 0.033 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 Z1 MOT pass rate?
The BMW Z1 has a 85.7% MOT pass rate based on 231 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a BMW Z1?
The most common MOT failure on the BMW Z1 is the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, which caused 8 failures. Other common issues include a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning.
What is the typical mileage of a BMW Z1 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a BMW Z1 is 43,163 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 24,629 and 71,885 miles.
Buying a used Z1?
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.
Some links are to services we may earn from. Disclosure.
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.