2010 BMW X3 · 3,369 MOT tests
2010 BMW X3 reliability
2010 BMW X3s fail 24.2% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 18 X3 years (3,369 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 24.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 40% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 107,326
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,369
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- 2011 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 2.2% of tests fail here (55% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7.7%
- Lights and electrics7.3%
- Brakes6.5%
- Tyres4.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Seat belts and airbags2.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.59%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.26%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.75%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.6%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.57%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.4%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.41%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.65%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.7%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (5.34%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.13%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.1%)
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 2010 BMW X3 reliable?
2010 BMW X3s fail 24.2% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 18 X3 years (3,369 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.59% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.26% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.75% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 BMW X3 shows 107,326 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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