2017 BMW 3 Series · 111,276 MOT tests
2017 BMW 3 Series reliability
2017 BMW 3 Seriess fail 12.6% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 25 3 Series years (111,276 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 12.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 58,889
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 111,276
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- 2018 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6%
- Lights and electrics2.4%
- Brakes2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.5%
- Suspension1.3%
- Wheels0.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.68%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.23%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.03%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.03%
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 1.01%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.68%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.01%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.41%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.35%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.16%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (1.99%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.89%)
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 2017 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2017 BMW 3 Seriess fail 12.6% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 25 3 Series years (111,276 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.68% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.23% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (1.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 BMW 3 Series shows 58,889 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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