2021 BMW 3 Series · 13,215 MOT tests
2021 BMW 3 Series reliability
2021 BMW 3 Seriess fail 9.6% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 25 3 Series years (13,215 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 9.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 34,974
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 13,215
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 5.8% of tests fail here (19% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 69% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.8%
- Lights and electrics1.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.1%
- Brakes0.5%
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%
- Suspension0.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.01%
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 0.96%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.87%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.75%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.48%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.23%
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 (5.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.47%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (0.9%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (0.8%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (0.77%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (0.75%)
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 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2021 BMW 3 Seriess fail 9.6% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 25 3 Series years (13,215 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.01% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (0.96% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.87% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 BMW 3 Series shows 34,974 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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