2011 BMW X3 · 15,008 MOT tests
2011 BMW X3 reliability
2011 BMW X3s fail 24.5% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 18 X3 years (15,008 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 24.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 104,311
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,008
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Strong point: brakes, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.3%
- Suspension7.1%
- Tyres5.9%
- Brakes3.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Steering1.4%
- Seat belts and airbags0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.8%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.43%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.04%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.73%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.63%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.55%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Slight play in steering rack joints (15.42%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.91%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.97%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.27%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.9%)
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 2011 BMW X3 reliable?
2011 BMW X3s fail 24.5% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 18 X3 years (15,008 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.8% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.43% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (2.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 BMW X3 shows 104,311 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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