2012 BMW 3 Series · 124,084 MOT tests
2012 BMW 3 Series reliability
2012 BMW 3 Seriess fail 28.5% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 25 3 Series years (124,084 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 28.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 102,794
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 124,084
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (151% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 46% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.2%
- Suspension8.3%
- Tyres7.9%
- Brakes5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
- Wheels1.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.38%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.88%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.79%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.85%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.76%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Side repeater not working 1.75%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.11%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.13%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (6.04%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.47%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.62%)
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 2012 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2012 BMW 3 Seriess fail 28.5% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 25 3 Series years (124,084 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.38% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (2.88% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW 3 Series shows 102,794 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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