Bmw 3 SERIES
2009-2009
The BMW 3 Series (2009) has a concerning MOT failure rate of 22.7%, indicating reliability issues.
The BMW 3 Series (2009) presents significant reliability concerns, particularly evident in its overall MOT failure rate of 22.7%, based on 3,853 real MOT tests from DVSA data. This high failure rate suggests that potential buyers should be cautious, especially regarding the vehicle's known engine defects.
In terms of specific defect categories, the data reveals alarming trends. The top defect categories include tyres and brakes, with failure rates of 215.48% and 149.19% respectively. Such figures indicate that these components are not only frequently failing but may also require more frequent replacements or repairs, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Mileage also plays a critical role in the reliability of the BMW 3 Series. For vehicles with mileage over 120,000, the failure rate jumps to 29.2%, highlighting that as the car ages, the likelihood of encountering engine defects increases significantly. In comparison, the failure rate for those with 0-40k miles is only 12.3%, which further emphasizes the risk associated with higher mileage vehicles.
Given these statistics, prospective buyers should carefully consider the potential for engine defects and the associated maintenance costs when evaluating the BMW 3 Series (2009). The combination of a high overall failure rate and significant issues in key defect categories makes this model a less reliable choice in the used car market.
Useful links
Bmw 3 SERIES also has known issues with:
MOT National Comparison
Top Defect Categories
Bmw 3 SERIES has a 20.05% MOT failure rate, 4% better than the national average of 20.89%. It ranks in the worst 10% of all models tested. Based on 87,948 MOT tests analyzed.
MOT defect breakdown
| Defect Category | % of Tests | vs National | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|
| tyres | 215.48% | — | 2,314 |
| brakes | 149.19% | — | 1,568 |
| tyres | 92.25% | — | 3,177 |
| brakes | 89.85% | — | 3,389 |
| brakes | 85.18% | — | 2,854 |
| tyres | 84.07% | — | 2,985 |
| other | 61.45% | — | 425 |
| brakes | 60.07% | — | 4,945 |
Failure rate by mileage
Common problems
| Problem | Severity | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres issues | High | £50-£300 |
| Brakes issues | High | £80-£450 |
| Tyres issues | High | £50-£300 |
Data Source
DVSA MOT bulk data, 3853 tests analyzed
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Stats
- Risk Level
- Low
- MOT Fail Rate
- 20.05%
- National Ranking
- Worst 10%
- Tests Analysed
- 87,948
- Year Range
- 2009-2009
- Typical Repair Cost
- £180 to £1,050
- Affected Areas
- Tyres Brakes Tyres Brakes Brakes