2009 BMW X3 · 5,431 MOT tests
2009 BMW X3 reliability
2009 BMW X3s fail 28.3% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 18 X3 years (5,431 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 28.3%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 112,970
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,431
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.6% of tests fail here (162% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 69% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics8.7%
- Suspension8.7%
- Brakes8.5%
- Tyres5.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Seat belts and airbags4.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.26%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.2%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.49%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 1.99%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.68%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.66%
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 (15.25%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.63%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.43%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.95%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.21%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.5%)
Other years
Every BMW X3 year
The full picture: BMW X3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X3, 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 2009 BMW X3 reliable?
2009 BMW X3s fail 28.3% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 18 X3 years (5,431 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.26% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.49% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW X3 shows 112,970 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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