At a Glance
The Bmw 3 Series has 5 identified common problems across 7 generations, with the E90 (2005-2013) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 11.0M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Bmw 3 Series common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Bmw 3 Series generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Bmw 3 Series Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
E21
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
E30
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
E36
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
E46
Most common MOT failure: Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn
E90
Top issue: Brake fluid level low or contaminated
F30
Top issue: Reversing lamp not working
G20
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Bmw 3 Series MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw 3 Series vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 11.68% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.95% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.56% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.99% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.91% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.89% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.73% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.71% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.39% |
| 10 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.24% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.14% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 2.93% |
| 13 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.62% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.44% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.27% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.12% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 1.99% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 1.51% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.41% |
| 20 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.37% |
| 21 | Airbag warning light on | 1.34% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.17% |
| 23 | ABS fault | 1.12% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.09% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.02% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.92% |
| 27 | Headlamp fault | 0.91% |
| 28 | Parking brake condition | 0.88% |
| 29 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.69% |
| 30 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.69% |
| 31 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.66% |
| 32 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.65% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.61% |
| 34 | Track rod end worn | 0.58% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.36% |
| 36 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.36% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.35% |
| 38 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.34% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.34% |
| 40 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.31% |
| 41 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.30% |
| 43 | Rear suspension fault | 0.30% |
| 44 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.23% |
| 45 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.19% |
| 46 | Chassis condition | 0.18% |
| 47 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.18% |
| 48 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 49 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.16% |
| 50 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.14% |
| 52 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.13% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.12% |
| 54 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 56 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 57 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.11% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.10% |
| 60 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 61 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 62 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 63 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.10% |
| 64 | Driver airbag fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Driveshaft fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.09% |
| 68 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 69 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 70 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 71 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 72 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 74 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 75 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 76 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 77 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 80 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 81 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.05% |
| 82 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 83 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 84 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 85 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 86 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 87 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 91 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 97 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 106 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 107 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 108 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 130 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 144 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 156 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 157 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 176 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 177 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 178 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 188 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 191 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 192 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 193 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 197 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 198 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 199 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 201 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 202 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 202 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw 3 Series MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bmw 3 Series, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bmw 3 Series problems?
Based on analysis of 11.0M Bmw 3 Series MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 5 identified common problems across 7 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake fluid level low or contaminated". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Bmw 3 Series generation has the most problems?
The Bmw 3 Series E90 (2005-2013) (2005–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (4). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Bmw 3 Series?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw 3 Series owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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