BMW X3 years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

107,459 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2004–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 18 BMW X3 years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

Below the average for their first-use yearNone
Above the average for their first-use year2004–2009 and 2011–2022
Can't be told apart from averageNone

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

81.0%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 80.7% to 81.2%.

BMW X3, all years81.0%
Same-age average, all vehicles75.8%

In 2025, 81.0% of the 107,459 initial MOT tests on BMW X3 cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 75.8%. That is 5.2 points above the same-age average.

In our tables of the highest MOT pass rates by age: joint 15th of 173 cars first used in 2018.

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Its own MOT history, free.

BMW X3 MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2022age 3	7,44926,300	90.7%±0.7	+2.2 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 4	10,66435,300	88.6%±0.7	+1.4 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 5	7,55841,100	88.7%±0.8	+2.7 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 6	15,66547,700	88.4%±0.6	+4.9 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	8,14255,200	87.9%±0.8	+7.0 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	8,06667,200	82.4%±0.9	+4.2 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 9	8,96175,300	79.2%±0.9	+4.3 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 10	7,02886,200	78.4%±1.0	+6.5 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 11	6,04196,000	73.5%±1.2	+4.9 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 12	7,092103,400	72.3%±1.1	+6.5 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13	6,656110,100	71.1%±1.2	+7.6 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 14	3,839114,800	73.3%±1.5	+12.1 ptsall: 61.2%
2009age 16	1,179120,200	69.6%±2.7	+11.3 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	1,253124,200	67.7%±2.7	+10.5 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	1,777130,200	67.1%±2.3	+9.7 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 19	2,369138,100	64.6%±2.0	+7.6 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 20	2,008141,400	62.5%±2.2	+4.9 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	1,712121,300	63.4%±2.4	+5.6 ptsall: 57.8%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common X3 problems at the MOT

Share of the 20,450 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Lights and electrics33.7%
Tyres29.5%
Suspension23.1%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors16.9%
Brakes13.9%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a X3

Based on the areas where BMW X3 MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Lights and electrics
In 33.7% of failed X3 tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Tyres
In 29.5% of failed X3 tests
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Suspension
In 23.1% of failed X3 tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
In 16.9% of failed X3 tests
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a X3's MOT history

BMW X3 questions

Which BMW X3 years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2004–2009 and 2011–2022. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the BMW X3 reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 81.0% of initial MOT tests on BMW X3 cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 75.8%. That is 5.2 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common BMW X3 problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 33.7% of failed tests), tyres (in 29.5% of failed tests) and suspension (in 23.1% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old BMW X3?

At their 2025 MOT tests, BMW X3 cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 86,200 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific X3's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any BMW X3

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other BMW models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 22 BMW models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all BMW X3 cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count