2009 BMW 3 Series · 90,237 MOT tests
2009 BMW 3 Series reliability
2009 BMW 3 Seriess fail 32% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 3 Series years (90,237 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 32%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 114,215
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 90,237
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.6% of tests fail here (148% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Suspension10.8%
- Brakes8.9%
- Tyres8.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.1%
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 5.15%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 3.79%
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 2.92%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.28%
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 2.17%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.8%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.73%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (10.35%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.67%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (6.92%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.56%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.98%)
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 2009 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2009 BMW 3 Seriess fail 32% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 3 Series years (90,237 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (5.15% of tests), position lamp not working (3.79% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW 3 Series shows 114,215 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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