2011 BMW 3 Series · 106,994 MOT tests
2011 BMW 3 Series reliability
2011 BMW 3 Seriess fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 25 3 Series years (106,994 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 29.1%
- 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 12
- 113,212
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 106,994
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (132% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.6%
- Suspension8.6%
- Tyres8%
- Brakes6.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.9%
- Body, chassis and structure1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.99%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 3.65%
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 2.76%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.18%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Stop lamp not working 1.59%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.57%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.11%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.16%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.04%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.32%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.69%)
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 2011 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2011 BMW 3 Seriess fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 25 3 Series years (106,994 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (4.99% of tests), position lamp not working (3.65% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 BMW 3 Series shows 113,212 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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