2015 BMW 3 Series · 117,358 MOT tests
2015 BMW 3 Series reliability
2015 BMW 3 Seriess fail 16.9% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 25 3 Series years (117,358 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2015 BMW 3 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 16.9%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 8
- 77,877
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 8
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 117,358
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2015 against the years either side
- 2014 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2015 car does better)
- 2016 cars: 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2015 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2015 car carries a 64 plate (January–February 2015), or a 15 plate (March–August 2015), or a 65 plate (September–December 2015).
Common problems
What fails on a 2015 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.7%
- Lights and electrics6.3%
- Brakes2.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.9%
- Suspension1.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.7%
- Wheels0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.04%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 1.29%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.22%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.13%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.11%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.08%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.01%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.68%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.62%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.28%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.14%)
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 2015 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2015 BMW 3 Seriess fail 16.9% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 25 3 Series years (117,358 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2015 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.04% of tests), position lamp not working (1.29% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2015 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 8, a typical 2015 BMW 3 Series shows 77,877 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2015 car?
A car first registered in 2015 carries a 64 plate (January–February 2015), or a 15 plate (March–August 2015), or a 65 plate (September–December 2015).
Check a 2015 BMW 3 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.