2007 BMW 3 Series · 107,657 MOT tests
2007 BMW 3 Series reliability
2007 BMW 3 Seriess fail 31.5% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 3 Series years (107,657 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 31.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 123,558
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 107,657
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2007 against the years either side
- 2006 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2007 car does better)
- 2008 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2007 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.6% of tests fail here (131% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2007 car carries a 56 plate (January–February 2007), or a 07 plate (March–August 2007), or a 57 plate (September–December 2007).
Common problems
What fails on a 2007 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.6%
- Brakes9.4%
- Suspension9.4%
- Tyres7.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Seat belts and airbags2.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.28%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 2.76%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.73%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.23%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.11%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.83%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.05%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (15.13%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.28%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.84%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (7.32%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.12%)
Other years
Every BMW 3 Series year
The full picture: BMW 3 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 3 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2007 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2007 BMW 3 Seriess fail 31.5% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 3 Series years (107,657 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2007 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.28% of tests), position lamp not working (2.76% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2007 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2007 BMW 3 Series shows 123,558 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2007 car?
A car first registered in 2007 carries a 56 plate (January–February 2007), or a 07 plate (March–August 2007), or a 57 plate (September–December 2007).
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