2021 BMW X3 · 5,769 MOT tests
2021 BMW X3 reliability
2021 BMW X3s fail 7.8% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 X3 years (5,769 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 7.8%
- 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 3
- 28,533
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,769
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 1% of tests fail here (67% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 BMW X3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.2%
- Lights and electrics1.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.9%
- Brakes0.4%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
- Wheels0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.21%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.59%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.42%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.38%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.36%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Side repeater not working 0.28%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.45%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (0.95%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (0.85%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (0.85%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (0.8%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (0.78%)
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 2021 BMW X3 reliable?
2021 BMW X3s fail 7.8% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 X3 years (5,769 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.21% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.59% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (0.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 BMW X3 shows 28,533 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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