2016 BMW 3 Series · 116,648 MOT tests
2016 BMW 3 Series reliability
2016 BMW 3 Seriess fail 14.3% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 25 3 Series years (116,648 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 14.3%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 38% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 68,448
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 116,648
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- 2017 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6%
- Lights and electrics3.9%
- Brakes2.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%
- Suspension1.5%
- Wheels0.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.92%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.16%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.07%
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 0.98%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.86%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.82%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.63%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.72%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.2%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.37%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.93%)
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 2016 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2016 BMW 3 Seriess fail 14.3% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 25 3 Series years (116,648 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.92% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.16% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.07% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 BMW 3 Series shows 68,448 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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