2010 BMW 3 Series · 99,300 MOT tests
2010 BMW 3 Series reliability
2010 BMW 3 Seriess fail 30.7% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 25 3 Series years (99,300 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2010 BMW 3 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 30.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 116,511
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 99,300
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- 2011 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.5% of tests fail here (123% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.6%
- Suspension10%
- Brakes8.3%
- Tyres7.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.5%
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.87%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 3.84%
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 2.96%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.45%
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 1.9%
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 1.83%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.97%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.79%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.6%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.94%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.07%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.42%)
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 2010 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2010 BMW 3 Seriess fail 30.7% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 25 3 Series years (99,300 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (4.87% of tests), position lamp not working (3.84% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.96% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 BMW 3 Series shows 116,511 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Check a 2010 BMW 3 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.