2012 BMW X3 · 24,997 MOT tests
2012 BMW X3 reliability
2012 BMW X3s fail 27.6% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 X3 years (24,997 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 BMW X3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 27.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 97,213
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 24,997
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Strong point: brakes, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.6%
- Suspension6%
- Tyres5.9%
- Brakes3.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Steering0.9%
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Side repeater not working 5.23%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.19%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.28%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.66%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Headlamp aim set too low 1.62%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.59%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (13.06%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.1%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.86%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.96%)
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 2012 BMW X3 reliable?
2012 BMW X3s fail 27.6% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 X3 years (24,997 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often side repeater not working (5.23% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.19% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (2.28% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW X3 shows 97,213 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 BMW X3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.