2016 BMW X3 · 33,010 MOT tests
2016 BMW X3 reliability
2016 BMW X3s fail 17.8% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 X3 years (33,010 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 17.8%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 60,306
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 33,010
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Strong point: brakes, 44% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.7%
- Suspension5%
- Lights and electrics4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Brakes2.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.6%
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.15%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.62%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.58%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.53%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.52%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.26%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.84%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (5.66%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.52%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (3.4%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.27%)
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 2016 BMW X3 reliable?
2016 BMW X3s fail 17.8% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 X3 years (33,010 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.15% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.62% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.58% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 BMW X3 shows 60,306 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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