MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Does the BMW 8 Series fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?

The BMW 8 Series records 4.78 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 6.94 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−2.16, 95% interval −2.56 to −1.75). It ranks 550 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a BMW 8 Series by registration

What exactly fails on visibility?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the BMW 8 Series is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 232 times in 2019–2024.

BMW 8 Series: most frequent visibility defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wordingItemsPer 100 tests
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view2321.44
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen1891.17
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen1641.02
Wiper blade defective870.54
Wiper not operating or missing540.34

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 16,114 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Other pages for this model

BMW 8 Series 2018 · BMW 8 Series 2019 · BMW 8 Series 2020 · BMW 8 Series by postcode area · BMW 8 Series body, chassis and structure failures · BMW 8 Series brakes failures · BMW 8 Series vehicle identification failures · BMW 8 Series lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · BMW 8 Series noise, emissions and leaks failures · BMW 8 Series road wheels failures · BMW 8 Series seat belts and airbags failures · BMW 8 Series steering failures · BMW 8 Series suspension failures · BMW 8 Series tyres failures