MOT Risk Index.co.uk

BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common problems

83.6% of BMW X3s passed the 2024 MOT (104,772 first tests): 79.9% at the first attempt and 3.7% after a fix at the test centre (PRS). About 1 in 5 failed the first attempt. For its age, it fails 18% less often than normal: MOT Risk Index 81.7 (95% CI 80.7–82.7; 100 = normal).

BMW X3 at a glance, 2024 MOT
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
MOT pass rate83.6%incl. 3.7% fixed at the test centre2024104772
Passed at the first attempt79.9%all first tests2024104772
MOT Risk Index (95% CI 80.7–82.7)81.7index100 = normal for its age · rank 280 of 761 (1 = fails least for its age)2024104772
Biggest excess: Tyres8.5per 1008.4 same-age2019–2024513747
Dangerous defects8.5per 10011.2 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024513747
Advisory items90.6per 100127.1 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024513747
strip · BMW X3 · MOT Risk Index · 81.7 vs 100 = normal · 2024
MOT Risk Index · BMW X3. 0–240; 100 = normal for its age; median model 92.8 · rank 280 of 761 (1 = fails least for its age). It would rank between 263 and 285 anywhere within its 95% interval, other models held where they are. DVSA, 2024.
BMW X3 index position among 761 models
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Rank280of 761published models, 1 = fails least for its age2024104772
Best rank within its 95% interval263rankother models held where they are2024104772
Worst rank within its 95% interval285rankother models held where they are2024104772

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Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index changed from 77.7 to 81.7 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed.

What actually fails on a BMW X3 MOT, and how often?

BMW X3 MOTs fail most often on ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 8.7 per 100 tests, against 13.9 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 513,747).

bar · BMW X3 · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment · 8.7 vs 13.9 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment8.7per 10013.92019–202444678
Tyres8.5per 1008.42019–202443450
Suspension7.3per 10011.92019–202437609
Visibility7per 1007.22019–202436044
Brakes6per 1009.52019–202430778
Body, chassis, structure1.6per 1004.12019–20248282

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 513,747 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Tyres, brakes and suspension: how does the BMW X3 compare with cars of the same age?

The biggest excess for the BMW X3 is tyres at age 3: 5.5 failures per 100 tests, against 4.2 for same-age cars of comparable models (2019–2024, n = 63,541).

bullet · BMW X3 · Tyres, age 3 · 5.5 vs 4.2 · 2019–2024
Tyres, age 3: 5.5 vs 4.2. Brakes, age 3: 0.9 vs 1.8. Suspension, age 3: 0.3 vs 0.6. Tyres, age 4: 5.2 vs 4.5. Brakes, age 4: 1.5 vs 2.4. Suspension, age 4: 0.8 vs 1.2. Tyres, age 5: 5.3 vs 5.1. Brakes, age 5: 2.0 vs 3.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres, age 35.5per 1004.22019–202463541
Brakes, age 30.9per 1001.82019–202463541
Suspension, age 30.3per 1000.62019–202463541
Tyres, age 45.2per 1004.52019–202456804
Brakes, age 41.5per 1002.42019–202456804
Suspension, age 40.8per 1001.22019–202456804
Tyres, age 55.3per 1005.12019–202454744
Brakes, age 52.0per 1003.12019–202454744
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Suspension, age 51.6per 1002.22019–202454744
Tyres, age 65.7per 1005.52019–202445980
Brakes, age 62.8per 1003.82019–202445980
Suspension, age 62.9per 1003.72019–202445980
Tyres, age 76.1per 1006.02019–202444974
Brakes, age 73.1per 1004.52019–202444974
Suspension, age 74.1per 1005.72019–202444974
Tyres, age 85.8per 1006.32019–202441051
Brakes, age 83.4per 1005.42019–202441051
Suspension, age 84.8per 1007.82019–202441051

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Will my BMW X3's advisory become a fail at the next MOT?

BMW X3 advisories turn into fails less often than on the median model; the one to watch is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: advisories on it became a fail at the next MOT 21.8% of the time.

funnel · BMW X3 · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment · 21.8 vs median model · 2019–2024
Advisories on lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 21.8 of 100 became a fail on the same item at the next MOT. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment21.8% next failmedian model2019–20241847
Suspension15.4% next failmedian model2019–202423919
Body, chassis, structure10.8% next failmedian model2019–20242830
Tyres8.5% next failmedian model2019–202482129
Brakes8.2% next failmedian model2019–202454193
Noise, emissions and leaks6.1% next failmedian model2019–202415209
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems4.4% next failmedian model2019–2024841
Steering2.7% next failmedian model2019–20244422
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Identification of the vehicle2.3% next failmedian model2019–20244798
Non-component advisories0% next failmedian model2019–202442424

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

My BMW X3 got an MOT advisory: what gets flagged most?

BMW X3 MOTs flag tyres most: 38 advisories per 100 tests, against 39.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 513,747).

bar · BMW X3 · Tyres · 38 vs 39.7 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres38per 10039.72019–2024194986
Brakes20.5per 10034.72019–2024105401
Non-component advisories12.4per 1007.82019–202463722
Suspension10.7per 10026.22019–202455032
Noise, emissions and leaks4.4per 1005.22019–202422777
Identification of the vehicle1.4per 1002.52019–20247345

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 513,747 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What is likely to fail next on a BMW X3?

For BMW X3s aged 3 to 5 whose last MOT was a pass, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is tyres: 4.6% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 77,032).

bar · BMW X3 · Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass · 4.7 vs baseline · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass4.7% next fail2019–202430171
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass3.1% next fail2019–202430171
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a pass1.0% next fail2019–202430171
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a pass0.7% next fail2019–202430171
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202430171
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202430171
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202430171
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202430171
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202430171
Road wheels, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202430171
Steering, under 3 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–202430171
Tyres, under 3 years old, after an advisory5.5% next fail2019–20248622
Visibility, under 3 years old, after an advisory3.9% next fail2019–20248622
Brakes, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.6% next fail2019–20248622
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.1% next fail2019–20248622
Suspension, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.8% next fail2019–20248622
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.6% next fail2019–20248622
Road wheels, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–20248622
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–20248622
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–20248622
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–20248622
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a fail5.8% next fail2019–20244133
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a fail4.5% next fail2019–20244133
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a fail1.3% next fail2019–20244133
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a fail1.2% next fail2019–20244133
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–20244133
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a fail0.6% next fail2019–20244133
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–20244133
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–20244133
Road wheels, under 3 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–20244133
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–20244133
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass4.6% next fail2019–202477032
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass4.0% next fail2019–202477032
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass2.0% next fail2019–202477032
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass1.7% next fail2019–202477032
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass1.6% next fail2019–202477032
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202477032
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202477032
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202477032
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202477032
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202477032
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202477032
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory6.7% next fail2019–202430615
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory5.6% next fail2019–202430615
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory3.1% next fail2019–202430615
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory3.0% next fail2019–202430615
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory2.4% next fail2019–202430615
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202430615
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202430615
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202430615
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202430615
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202430615
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202430615
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail6.8% next fail2019–202415832
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail6.3% next fail2019–202415832
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.5% next fail2019–202415832
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.1% next fail2019–202415832
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail3.0% next fail2019–202415832
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–202415832
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.4% next fail2019–202415832
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202415832
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202415832
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202415832
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202415832
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass5.7% next fail2019–202446937
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass5.3% next fail2019–202446937
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass4.8% next fail2019–202446937
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass4.4% next fail2019–202446937
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass2.5% next fail2019–202446937
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202446937
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202446937
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202446937
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202446937
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202446937
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202446937
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory7.8% next fail2019–202429384
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory7.3% next fail2019–202429384
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory6.9% next fail2019–202429384
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory5.3% next fail2019–202429384
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory4.2% next fail2019–202429384
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.6% next fail2019–202429384
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202429384
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202429384
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.4% next fail2019–202429384
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202429384
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202429384
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail8.9% next fail2019–202421527
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail8.2% next fail2019–202421527
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail7.2% next fail2019–202421527
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail5.9% next fail2019–202421527
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail4.2% next fail2019–202421527
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–202421527
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–202421527
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.6% next fail2019–202421527
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.5% next fail2019–202421527
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.5% next fail2019–202421527
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202421527
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass9.3% next fail2019–202423269
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass6.0% next fail2019–202423269
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass5.3% next fail2019–202423269
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass4.7% next fail2019–202423269
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass3.8% next fail2019–202423269
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass1.1% next fail2019–202423269
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.7% next fail2019–202423269
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.7% next fail2019–202423269
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202423269
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202423269
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202423269
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory11.3% next fail2019–202417528
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory7.5% next fail2019–202417528
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory6.9% next fail2019–202417528
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory6.9% next fail2019–202417528
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory5.1% next fail2019–202417528
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory1.3% next fail2019–202417528
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory1.0% next fail2019–202417528
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory1.0% next fail2019–202417528
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.7% next fail2019–202417528
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.4% next fail2019–202417528
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202417528
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail13.7% next fail2019–202414946
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail8.4% next fail2019–202414946
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail8.2% next fail2019–202414946
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail7.5% next fail2019–202414946
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail6.3% next fail2019–202414946
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail1.7% next fail2019–202414946
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail1.6% next fail2019–202414946
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–202414946
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–202414946
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail0.5% next fail2019–202414946
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202414946
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass11.2% next fail2019–202416283
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass9.2% next fail2019–202416283
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass7.1% next fail2019–202416283
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass7.0% next fail2019–202416283
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass4.6% next fail2019–202416283
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass3.5% next fail2019–202416283
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass2.4% next fail2019–202416283
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass2.4% next fail2019–202416283
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202416283
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202416283
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202416283
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory14.2% next fail2019–202412806
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory12.2% next fail2019–202412806
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory10.0% next fail2019–202412806
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory9.6% next fail2019–202412806
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory6.5% next fail2019–202412806
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory5.1% next fail2019–202412806
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory3% next fail2019–202412806
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory3.0% next fail2019–202412806
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory0.7% next fail2019–202412806
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202412806
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202412806
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail15.0% next fail2019–202413863
Suspension, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail15.0% next fail2019–202413863
Brakes, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail12.4% next fail2019–202413863
Visibility, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail11.1% next fail2019–202413863
Tyres, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail8.0% next fail2019–202413863
Body, chassis, structure, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail5.6% next fail2019–202413863
Noise, emissions and leaks, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail4.7% next fail2019–202413863
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail4.3% next fail2019–202413863
Steering, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–202413863
Road wheels, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–202413863
Identification of the vehicle, 12 to 14 years old, after a fail0.6% next fail2019–202413863
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass15.2% next fail2019–202411042
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass11.8% next fail2019–202411042
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass8.0% next fail2019–202411042
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass7.6% next fail2019–202411042
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass5.5% next fail2019–202411042
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass4.3% next fail2019–202411042
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass3.2% next fail2019–202411042
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass2.7% next fail2019–202411042
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.9% next fail2019–202411042
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202411042
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202411042
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory20.3% next fail2019–202412136
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory15.5% next fail2019–202412136
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory11.7% next fail2019–202412136
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory10.7% next fail2019–202412136
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory7.5% next fail2019–202412136
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory6.6% next fail2019–202412136
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory4.5% next fail2019–202412136
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory3.5% next fail2019–202412136
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory1.6% next fail2019–202412136
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory0.7% next fail2019–202412136
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–202412136
Suspension, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail20.1% next fail2019–202413395
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail19.3% next fail2019–202413395
Brakes, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail13.9% next fail2019–202413395
Visibility, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail13.7% next fail2019–202413395
Body, chassis, structure, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail9.1% next fail2019–202413395
Tyres, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail7.9% next fail2019–202413395
Noise, emissions and leaks, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail6.8% next fail2019–202413395
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail5.3% next fail2019–202413395
Steering, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail1.5% next fail2019–202413395
Road wheels, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail0.9% next fail2019–202413395
Identification of the vehicle, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–202413395
Speedometer and speed limiter, 15 to 19 years old, after a fail0.0% next fail2019–202413395

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How often does a BMW X3 get a dangerous MOT defect?

The BMW X3 gets a dangerous defect less often than the UK average: 8.5 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 26.0 major and 8.4 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).

bullet · BMW X3 · Dangerous defects · 8.5 vs 11.2 · 2019–2024
Dangerous defects: 8.5 vs 11.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dangerous defects8.5per 10011.22019–2024513747

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 513,747 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id; severity not recorded for some 2018–2021 tests · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Will my BMW X3 still pass its MOT in a few years?

First-time MOT failures for the BMW X3 go from 11.0% at age 3 to 39.8% at age 19, against 43.5% for all cars aged 19 (2024, n = 104,772).

line · BMW X3 · Age 3 · 11.0 vs 12.4 · 2024
Age 3: 11.0. Age 19: 39.8. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 311.0% failed first time12.4202411068
Age 411.1% failed first time13.120247688
Age 511.9% failed first time15.1202415737
Age 611.9% failed first time17.520248095
Age 716.9% failed first time20.220248138
Age 819.9% failed first time23.320249030
Age 921.7% failed first time26.520246999
Age 1025.6% failed first time30.120246047
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1127.7% failed first time33.220247106
Age 1229.8% failed first time35.720246759
Age 1326.9% failed first time38.220243962
Age 1426.5% failed first time40.42024909
Age 1530.1% failed first time41.620241323
Age 1631.5% failed first time43.120241469
Age 1736.3% failed first time43.120242233
Age 1837.3% failed first time43.920243004
Age 1939.8% failed first time43.520242534

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How does the BMW X3 compare with cars of its own age and size?

At 1 of 18 ages shown, BMW X3s fail first time more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 13, where they fail less often: 30.6% against 39.0% (2024, n = 17,617).

line · BMW X3 · Age 3 · 9.9 vs 11.7 · 2024
Age 3: 9.9. Age 20: 36.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 39.9% fail11.7202463541
Age 411.0% fail13.3202456804
Age 513.6% fail15.1202454744
Age 616.6% fail17.3202445980
Age 720.3% fail20.1202444974
Age 822.7% fail23.2202441051
Age 924.4% fail26.8202432809
Age 1026.2% fail30.1202427462
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1127.4% fail33.5202423408
Age 1228.8% fail36.5202419560
Age 1330.6% fail39.0202417617
Age 1433.7% fail40.9202417307
Age 1534.8% fail42.4202419505
Age 1635.5% fail43.2202416191
Age 1737.5% fail43.6202413208
Age 1837.8% fail43.720249277
Age 1939.3% fail43.220245187
Age 2036.1% fail42.520242121

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which BMW X3 years should I avoid?

The BMW X3 build year that fails most for its age is 2014: index 109.6 (95% CI 107.2–111.9) against the model's own age norm of 100 (2019–2024, n = 37,128).

Build year matters for the BMW X3: 2014 BMW X3s fail more than their age would predict, 2018 ones less. Years whose confidence interval includes normal are shown without a label.

bar · BMW X3 · Build year 2004 · 101 vs 100 = normal · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 2004101index vs own age100 = normal2019–202419720
Build year 2005 (worse for its age)103.4index vs own age100 = normal2019–202422383
Build year 200699.8index vs own age100 = normal2019–202426172
Build year 2007 (worse for its age)102.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202418454
Build year 2008 (better for its age)96.3index vs own age100 = normal2019–202411719
Build year 200996.8index vs own age100 = normal2019–20249583
Build year 2010 (better for its age)88.9index vs own age100 = normal2019–20245972
Build year 2011 (better for its age)92.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202425503
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 2012 (worse for its age)107.1index vs own age100 = normal2019–202442021
Build year 2013 (worse for its age)106.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202443616
Build year 2014 (worse for its age)109.6index vs own age100 = normal2019–202437128
Build year 2015 (worse for its age)103.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202442481
Build year 2016101.1index vs own age100 = normal2019–202455126
Build year 2017 (better for its age)92.5index vs own age100 = normal2019–202443016
Build year 2018 (better for its age)86.9index vs own age100 = normal2019–202433119
Build year 2019 (better for its age)89.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202448161
Build year 2020 (worse for its age)105.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202415487

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How much does it cost to fix a BMW X3 MOT fail?

Expected repair cost per BMW X3 MOT: about £42 (up to about £80 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 104,772).

Computed, not measured.

bar · BMW X3 · Expected repair bill · 42.0 vs modal price catalogue · price catalogue
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (price catalogue)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Expected repair bill42.0GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue104772
Estimated range lower42.0GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue104772
Estimated range upper79.7GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue104772
Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner)13.1GBP expected contribution180price catalogue104772
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid)12.2GBP expected contribution140price catalogue104772
Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback)9GBP expected contribution150price catalogue104772
Tyres: Tyre (single mid-range 16" fitted)7.7GBP expected contribution90price catalogue104772

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the BMW X3 more reliable than similar cars?

Of 8 similar models, 7 fail less often for their age than the BMW X3 and 1 as often or more. The BMW X3 has an MOT Risk Index of 81.7, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 104,772).

bar · BMW X3 · BMW X3 (this model) · 81.7 vs 100 = normal · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
BMW X3 (this model)81.7index100 = normal2024104772
BMW X175.1index81.72024107276
Volvo XC6083.4index81.72024113027
Toyota RAV481.2index81.72024130592
Audi A579.1index81.72024125932
Toyota Prius80index81.72024157318
BMW 3 Series80.7index81.72024498596
Honda CR-V80.3index81.72024199867
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Audi Q375index81.72024130906

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a BMW X3 normally do?

At age 8, the median BMW X3 had covered 67,212 miles by its MOT; the middle half ranged from 52,767 to 83,541 miles (2024, n = 9,030).

line · BMW X3 · Age 3 median · 26967 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3 median: 26967. Age 19 P75: 164440. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 median26967miles202411068
Age 3 P2519978miles202411068
Age 3 P7535965miles202411068
Age 4 median32510miles20247688
Age 4 P2524423miles20247688
Age 4 P7542378miles20247688
Age 5 median39348miles202415737
Age 5 P2530166miles202415737
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 5 P7550563miles202415737
Age 6 median46928miles20248095
Age 6 P2536025miles20248095
Age 6 P7559711miles20248095
Age 7 median58879miles20248138
Age 7 P2545701miles20248138
Age 7 P7573271miles20248138
Age 8 median67212miles20249030
Age 8 P2552767miles20249030
Age 8 P7583541miles20249030
Age 9 median78271miles20246999
Age 9 P2561188miles20246999
Age 9 P7597045miles20246999
Age 10 median88602miles20246047
Age 10 P2569901miles20246047
Age 10 P75108661miles20246047
Age 11 median95913miles20247106
Age 11 P2576770miles20247106
Age 11 P75117573miles20247106
Age 12 median103445miles20246759
Age 12 P2582067miles20246759
Age 12 P75125908miles20246759
Age 13 median109473miles20243962
Age 13 P2587767miles20243962
Age 13 P75131405miles20243962
Age 14 median111577miles2024909
Age 14 P2591488miles2024909
Age 14 P75134363miles2024909
Age 15 median116816miles20241323
Age 15 P2596539miles20241323
Age 15 P75138350miles20241323
Age 16 median119584miles20241469
Age 16 P2599314miles20241469
Age 16 P75140392miles20241469
Age 17 median129425miles20242233
Age 17 P25108611miles20242233
Age 17 P75150434miles20242233
Age 18 median136017miles20243004
Age 18 P25114240miles20243004
Age 18 P75157167miles20243004
Age 19 median139323miles20242534
Age 19 P25114876miles20242534
Age 19 P75164440miles20242534

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does high mileage mean more BMW X3 MOT failures at the same age?

At ages 3–5, 10.2% of BMW X3s with under 40,000 miles failed first time, against 13.3% of those with 100,000 to 140,000 miles (2024, n = 22,616). No clear mileage gap inside this age group, among cars still being tested.

bar · BMW X3 · Age 3–5, <40k miles · 10.2 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3–5, <40k miles10.2% failed first time202422488
Age 3–5, 40-70k miles13.2% failed first time202410483
Age 3–5, 70-100k miles16.7% failed first time20241165
Age 3–5, 100-140k miles (rough estimate: 128 tests, 95% interval 8.5–20.2%)13.3% failed first time2024128
Age 6–9, <40k miles11.4% failed first time20245287
Age 6–9, 40-70k miles15.7% failed first time202414950
Age 6–9, 70-100k miles21.5% failed first time20248776
Age 6–9, 100-140k miles25.3% failed first time20242621
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 6–9, 140k+ miles (rough estimate: 415 tests, 95% interval 21.6–29.9%)25.5% failed first time2024415
Age 10–14, <40k miles14.5% failed first time2024606
Age 10–14, 40-70k miles22.2% failed first time20243687
Age 10–14, 70-100k miles27.2% failed first time20248485
Age 10–14, 100-140k miles29.9% failed first time20248977
Age 10–14, 140k+ miles30.8% failed first time20243022
Age 15+, 40-70k miles (rough estimate: 485 tests, 95% interval 17.8–25.1%)21.2% failed first time2024485
Age 15+, 70-100k miles31.6% failed first time20241900
Age 15+, 100-140k miles35.4% failed first time20245496
Age 15+, 140k+ miles39.9% failed first time20244708

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a BMW X3 last?

25.0% of BMW X3s tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 5.0% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 127,593).

line · BMW X3 · 100,000 miles · 25.0 vs baseline · 2024
100,000 miles: 25.0. 200,000 miles: 0.5. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
100,000 miles25.0% of tested cars2024127593
150,000 miles5.0% of tested cars202425492
200,000 miles0.5% of tested cars20242335

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the BMW X3 driven more or less than average, and does that change the picture?

Matched on annual mileage as well as age, the BMW X3 index is 75.9, against 80.1 on age alone (2019–2024, n = 104,772).

slope · BMW X3 · Age and mileage adjusted index · 75.9 vs 80.1 · 2019–2024
Age and mileage adjusted index: 80.1 vs 75.9. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age and mileage adjusted index75.9index80.12019–2024104772

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which BMW X3 fuel fails its MOT less?

Diesel BMW X3s fail first time more often than petrol ones, before allowing for age: 22.1% against 16.1%.

bar · BMW X3 · Electric-diesel · 10.8 vs other fuels · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Electric-diesel10.8% fail first timeother fuels20247421
Diesel22.1% fail first timeother fuels202479461
Petrol16.1% fail first timeother fuels202414293
Hybrid11.6% fail first timeother fuels20243581

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which BMW X3 engine is best?

For its age, the best BMW X3 engine is the petrol 1.8–2.0 litre at index 88.1, and the worst the diesel 1.8–2.0 litre at 103.3, where 100 = the model's own average (2024, n = 104,772).

bar · BMW X3 · Petrol 1.8–2.0 litre · 88.1 vs 100 = model average · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol 1.8–2.0 litre88.1index vs model norm100 = model average202418356
Diesel over 2.0 litre90.4index vs model norm100 = model average202495114
Petrol over 2.0 litre98index vs model norm100 = model average202438114
Diesel 1.8–2.0 litre103.3index vs model norm100 = model average2024348259

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Where in Britain does the BMW X3 fail its MOT most?

First-time failure rates for the BMW X3 range from 15.3% to 29.1% by area, before allowing for age: a narrower spread than for the typical model.

map · BMW X3 · Dundee (DD) · 29.1 vs 20.1 · 2024
Scotland. N. England. Wales. London. S. West. % failing. 18%. 26%. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dundee (DD)29.1% fail first time20.120241984
Llandrindod Wells (LD) (rough estimate: 348 tests, 95% interval 24.5–34.0%)29.0% fail first time20.12024348
Plymouth (PL)28.1% fail first time20.120245540
Enfield (EN)15.3% fail first time20.120243737
Dumfries (DG)16.8% fail first time20.120241226
Bromley (BR)16.8% fail first time20.120243034
Torquay (TQ)26.9% fail first time20.120242605
Sunderland (SR)26.9% fail first time20.12024935
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Aberdeen (AB)26.8% fail first time20.120246471
Portsmouth (PO)26.4% fail first time20.120246218
Truro (TR)25.9% fail first time20.120243195
Bournemouth (BH)25.7% fail first time20.120244683
Bristol (BS)25.5% fail first time20.120247159
Dorchester (DT)25.4% fail first time20.120241802
Brighton (BN)25.3% fail first time20.120246991
Exeter (EX)25.0% fail first time20.120245913
Paisley (PA)24.7% fail first time20.120241409
Kirkcaldy (KY)24.3% fail first time20.120242481
Bath (BA)24.0% fail first time20.120244235
Gloucester (GL)24.0% fail first time20.120246835
Cardiff (CF)23.8% fail first time20.120246049
Salisbury (SP)23.8% fail first time20.120242473
Hull (HU)23.6% fail first time20.120242642
Galashiels (TD)23.5% fail first time20.12024656
Telford (TF)23.4% fail first time20.120241351
Southampton (SO)23.3% fail first time20.120245817
Tonbridge (TN)23.1% fail first time20.120248163
Wolverhampton (WV)23.0% fail first time20.120242926
Canterbury (CT)22.9% fail first time20.120243516
Chester (CH)22.9% fail first time20.120244923
Taunton (TA)22.9% fail first time20.120242923
Harrow (HA)22.7% fail first time20.120243835
London SW (SW)22.7% fail first time20.120244680
Leeds (LS)22.6% fail first time20.120244982
Newport (NP)22.5% fail first time20.120243648
Inverness (IV)22.5% fail first time20.120242421
Darlington (DL)22.4% fail first time20.120242148
London N (N)22.4% fail first time20.120243619
Medway (ME)22.4% fail first time20.120244868
Guildford (GU)22.3% fail first time20.1202412474
St Albans (AL)22.3% fail first time20.120242229
Ipswich (IP)22.3% fail first time20.120246054
Redhill (RH)22.2% fail first time20.120247261
Watford (WD)22.2% fail first time20.120243297
Dudley (DY)22.2% fail first time20.120241897
Stoke-on-Trent (ST)22.0% fail first time20.120244448
Falkirk (FK)22.0% fail first time20.120242090
Edinburgh (EH)22% fail first time20.120247203
Cambridge (CB)22.0% fail first time20.120243667
Motherwell (ML)21.9% fail first time20.120242608
Northampton (NN)21.7% fail first time20.120245785
Stockport (SK)21.6% fail first time20.120245586
Reading (RG)21.6% fail first time20.1202411280
Colchester (CO)21.5% fail first time20.120243314
Bradford (BD)21.2% fail first time20.120243255
Llandudno (LL)21.2% fail first time20.120243727
Croydon (CR)21.1% fail first time20.120244133
Bolton (BL)21.1% fail first time20.120243145
Oxford (OX)21.1% fail first time20.120246176
Milton Keynes (MK)21.0% fail first time20.120245507
Glasgow (G)20.9% fail first time20.120248281
Manchester (M)20.9% fail first time20.120245735
Kirkwall (KW) (rough estimate: 397 tests, 95% interval 17.2–25.2%)20.9% fail first time20.12024397
Dartford (DA)20.9% fail first time20.120243527
Shrewsbury (SY)20.8% fail first time20.120243811
Outer Hebrides (HS) (rough estimate: 144 tests, 95% interval 15.0–28.2%)20.8% fail first time20.12024144
Lincoln (LN)20.8% fail first time20.120242874
Huddersfield (HD)20.7% fail first time20.120241985
Walsall (WS)20.7% fail first time20.120242725
Swindon (SN)20.6% fail first time20.120245031
Chelmsford (CM)20.4% fail first time20.120246981
Kilmarnock (KA)20.4% fail first time20.120242379
Swansea (SA)20.3% fail first time20.120244863
Perth (PH)20.2% fail first time20.120242026
Luton (LU)20.2% fail first time20.120243563
London W (W)20.1% fail first time20.120242414
Halifax (HX)20.1% fail first time20.12024840
Stevenage (SG)20.1% fail first time20.120244346
Blackpool (FY)20.1% fail first time20.120242568
London E (E)20% fail first time20.120243180
Norwich (NR)20.0% fail first time20.120245357
Peterborough (PE)20.0% fail first time20.120249761
Liverpool (L)19.9% fail first time20.120244339
Romford (RM)19.9% fail first time20.120244616
York (YO)19.8% fail first time20.120245199
Kingston upon Thames (KT)19.8% fail first time20.120248076
Hemel Hempstead (HP)19.8% fail first time20.120247974
Worcester (WR)19.8% fail first time20.120243296
Preston (PR)19.6% fail first time20.120245132
Warrington (WA)19.6% fail first time20.120245087
Wigan (WN)19.5% fail first time20.120241519
Leicester (LE)19.3% fail first time20.120248769
Cleveland (TS)19.3% fail first time20.120243554
Blackburn (BB)19.3% fail first time20.120244560
Derby (DE)19.3% fail first time20.120245469
Harrogate (HG)19.1% fail first time20.120242119
Birmingham (B)19% fail first time20.1202413604
London SE (SE)19% fail first time20.120244664
Crewe (CW)18.9% fail first time20.120243045
London NW (NW)18.8% fail first time20.120245090
Hereford (HR)18.7% fail first time20.120242699
Newcastle (NE)18.7% fail first time20.120248064
Lancaster (LA)18.4% fail first time20.120242610
Nottingham (NG)18.3% fail first time20.120249783
Sutton (SM)18.3% fail first time20.120241302
Sheffield (S)18.2% fail first time20.120249104
Wakefield (WF)18.2% fail first time20.120243501
Uxbridge (UB)18.2% fail first time20.120243465
Oldham (OL)18.0% fail first time20.120242679
Slough (SL)17.9% fail first time20.120246483
Southend-on-Sea (SS)17.9% fail first time20.120244023
Twickenham (TW)17.8% fail first time20.120245453
Carlisle (CA)17.7% fail first time20.120243413
Durham (DH)17.7% fail first time20.120242164
Coventry (CV)17.5% fail first time20.120247487
Doncaster (DN)17.3% fail first time20.120245308
Ilford (IG)17.3% fail first time20.120243600

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does a BMW X3 rust more than average?

Allowing for age, BMW X3 MOTs record corrosion failures at 0.2 times the national rate: 0.13% of tests against 0.77% (2024 + geographic layers, n = 104,617).

Computed, not measured.

slope · BMW X3 · Salt belt susceptibility · 0.2 vs 1 · 2024 + geographic layers
Salt belt susceptibility: 1 vs 0.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024 + geographic layers)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Salt belt susceptibility0.2ratio estimate12024 + geographic layers104617

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 + geographic layers · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is a BMW X3 ULEZ compliant?

An estimated 61.6% of BMW X3s tested are likely ULEZ-compliant, judged from fuel type and first-use date; check a specific car with TfL's vehicle checker (2024).

Computed, not measured.

stacked · BMW X3 · Likely compliant · 61.6 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Likely compliant61.6% estimate2024104772

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What do six years of MOTs show about owning a BMW X3?

Of failed BMW X3 MOTs, 34.5% were retested the same day and a further 62.6% within 10 days; the median failed car passed its retest after 1 day (2019–2024, n = 80,451).

bar · BMW X3 · Same-day retest · 34.5 vs failed initial tests · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Same-day retest34.5%failed initial tests2019–202480451
Retest within 10 days62.6%failed initial tests2019–202480451
Clean MOT streak43.5%observed chains2019–202493621
Repeat advisory20.8%observed chains2019–202493621
Decreasing odometer0.8% mileage anomalyobserved chains2019–2024103943

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is low mileage better for a BMW X3?

BMW X3s aged 5 to 14 doing under 5,000 miles a year failed first time in 13.6% of tests, against 22.5% for those doing 8,000 to 12,000 miles (2019–2024, n = 28,576).

bullet · BMW X3 · Low-use first-time failure · 13.6 vs 22.5 · 2019–2024
Low-use first-time failure: 13.6 vs 22.5. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Low-use first-time failure13.6%22.52019–202428576
Low-use gap-8.8percentage points8–12k miles2019–202428576

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many years is a BMW X3 likely to last?

BMW X3s tend to last: at ten years old the typical one has about 5.6 more years of MOTs ahead, more than the median model. This is a forecast from the survival curve and may not come true.

Computed, not measured.

Forecast, not a prediction for a particular car.

bar · BMW X3 · Age 5 · 6.9 vs baseline · survival forecast
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (survival forecast)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 56.9years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 85.4years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 105.6years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 125.5years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 15 (at least; observed only until age 19)2.7years forecastsurvival forecast0

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: survival forecast · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which BMW X3s are still on the road?

In 2024, for every 100 BMW X3s tested at ages 4 to 6, about 10 were tested at age 19 (2024, n = 5,187).

line · BMW X3 · Age 3 (at least as many as at ages 4–6) · 100 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3 (at least as: 100. Age 19: 9.9. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202463541
Age 4 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202456804
Age 5 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202454744
Age 687.6% of age 4–6 baseline202445980
Age 785.6% of age 4–6 baseline202444974
Age 878.2% of age 4–6 baseline202441051
Age 962.5% of age 4–6 baseline202432809
Age 1052.3% of age 4–6 baseline202427462
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1144.6% of age 4–6 baseline202423408
Age 1237.3% of age 4–6 baseline202419560
Age 1333.6% of age 4–6 baseline202417617
Age 1433% of age 4–6 baseline202417307
Age 1537.1% of age 4–6 baseline202419505
Age 1630.8% of age 4–6 baseline202416191
Age 1725.2% of age 4–6 baseline202413208
Age 1817.7% of age 4–6 baseline20249277
Age 199.9% of age 4–6 baseline20245187

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a BMW X3 fails, does it fail again?

28.9% of BMW X3s that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 19.5% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 20,841). The failure most likely to come back is identification of the vehicle: 34.2% of those fails recurred at the next MOT.

bullet · BMW X3 · Repeat after fail · 28.9 vs 19.5 · 2019–2024
Repeat after fail: 28.9 vs 19.5. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Repeat after fail28.9%19.52019–202420841

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which BMW X3 faults come together?

On BMW X3s, ‘noise, emissions and leaks’ and seat belts and supplementary restraint systems failures turn up together 9.2 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 562).

BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Noise, emissions and leaks + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems9.2liftexpected joint rate2024562
Body, chassis, structure + Noise, emissions and leaks8.6liftexpected joint rate2024731
Road Wheels + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 139 tests, 95% interval 6.8–9.6)8.2liftexpected joint rate2024139
Body, chassis, structure + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems8.0liftexpected joint rate2024556
Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems7.8liftexpected joint rate20241641
Noise, emissions and leaks + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 5.5–7.8)6.6liftexpected joint rate2024138
Identification of the vehicle + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 89 tests, 95% interval 5.2–8.0)6.5liftexpected joint rate202489
Identification of the vehicle + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 108 tests, 95% interval 5.3–7.8)6.4liftexpected joint rate2024108
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks6.3liftexpected joint rate20241618
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems6.0liftexpected joint rate20241824
Body, chassis, structure + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 4.9–6.8)5.8liftexpected joint rate2024138
Body, chassis, structure + Steering (rough estimate: 159 tests, 95% interval 4.6–6.3)5.4liftexpected joint rate2024159
Noise, emissions and leaks + Steering (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 4.5–6.4)5.4liftexpected joint rate2024138
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks5.4liftexpected joint rate20242014
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Road Wheels5.3liftexpected joint rate2024557
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension5.2liftexpected joint rate20241467
Body, chassis, structure + Suspension5.2liftexpected joint rate20242040
Body, chassis, structure + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 98 tests, 95% interval 4.2–6.2)5.1liftexpected joint rate202498
Body, chassis, structure + Brakes5.1liftexpected joint rate20241486
Brakes + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 355 tests, 95% interval 4.4–5.5)4.9liftexpected joint rate2024355
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Steering (rough estimate: 103 tests, 95% interval 4.0–6.0)4.9liftexpected joint rate2024103
Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension4.9liftexpected joint rate20241688
Steering + Suspension4.9liftexpected joint rate2024576
Road Wheels + Steering (rough estimate: 34 tests, 95% interval 3.3–6.6)4.8liftexpected joint rate202434
Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment4.7liftexpected joint rate20242010
Identification of the vehicle + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 22 tests, 95% interval 2.9–7.1)4.7liftexpected joint rate202422
Brakes + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 249 tests, 95% interval 3.8–4.9)4.3liftexpected joint rate2024249
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Steering4.3liftexpected joint rate2024551
Brakes + Steering (rough estimate: 377 tests, 95% interval 3.9–4.7)4.3liftexpected joint rate2024377
Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment4.3liftexpected joint rate20245499
Road Wheels + Suspension (rough estimate: 408 tests, 95% interval 3.8–4.7)4.2liftexpected joint rate2024408
Identification of the vehicle + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 347 tests, 95% interval 3.7–4.6)4.1liftexpected joint rate2024347
Brakes + Suspension4.1liftexpected joint rate20244851
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility3.9liftexpected joint rate20241197
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension3.9liftexpected joint rate20246702
Identification of the vehicle + Suspension (rough estimate: 292 tests, 95% interval 3.4–4.2)3.8liftexpected joint rate2024292
Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility3.7liftexpected joint rate20241374
Identification of the vehicle + Steering (rough estimate: 21 tests, 95% interval 2.3–5.6)3.6liftexpected joint rate202421
Road Wheels + Tyres (rough estimate: 353 tests, 95% interval 3.1–3.9)3.5liftexpected joint rate2024353
Road Wheels + Visibility (rough estimate: 346 tests, 95% interval 3.0–3.7)3.3liftexpected joint rate2024346
Identification of the vehicle + Visibility (rough estimate: 275 tests, 95% interval 2.9–3.7)3.3liftexpected joint rate2024275
Identification of the vehicle + Tyres (rough estimate: 263 tests, 95% interval 2.9–3.7)3.2liftexpected joint rate2024263
Noise, emissions and leaks + Tyres3.2liftexpected joint rate20241165
Brakes + Tyres3.2liftexpected joint rate20244007
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres3.2liftexpected joint rate2024939
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility3.1liftexpected joint rate20245919
Body, chassis, structure + Visibility3.1liftexpected joint rate20241327
Brakes + Visibility2.9liftexpected joint rate20243768
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres2.8liftexpected joint rate20245081
Steering + Tyres (rough estimate: 345 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.1)2.8liftexpected joint rate2024345
Steering + Visibility (rough estimate: 350 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.0)2.7liftexpected joint rate2024350
Suspension + Visibility2.5liftexpected joint rate20244274
Body, chassis, structure + Tyres2.4liftexpected joint rate2024976
Tyres + Visibility2.3liftexpected joint rate20244138
Suspension + Tyres2.1liftexpected joint rate20243550
Brakes + Speedometer and speed limiter (seen together; too few for a multiplier)18tests with both202418
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Speedometer and speed limiter (seen together; too few for a multiplier)15tests with both202415
Speedometer and speed limiter + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier)8tests with both20248
Noise, emissions and leaks + Speedometer and speed limiter (seen together; too few for a multiplier)7tests with both20247
Seat belt installation check + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier)6tests with both20246
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belt installation check (seen together; too few for a multiplier)6tests with both20246
Speedometer and speed limiter + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier)5tests with both20245

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Has the BMW X3 had safety recalls?

DVSA lists 57 safety recall campaigns matched to the BMW X3; check whether yours has been fixed, using its registration number.

BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (DVSA register)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
DVSA recall campaigns matched57campaignsDVSA registerDVSA register104772

Source: DVSA register; recall effect covers 11 of 761 models · Window: DVSA register · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What does a BMW X3 cost to run in a fleet?

Of every 100 BMW X3s tested at age 5, about 12 failed the MOT first time; at age 10, about 26. These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time; the steepest one-year step in this cross-section is between cars aged 6 and 7, 5.04 percentage points (2024).

BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 311.0% fail first time202411068
Age 411.1% fail first time20247688
Age 511.9% fail first time202415737
Age 611.9% fail first time20248095
Age 716.9% fail first time20248138
Age 819.9% fail first time20249030
Age 921.7% fail first time20246999
Age 1025.6% fail first time20246047
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1127.7% fail first time20247106
Age 1229.8% fail first time20246759
Age 1326.9% fail first time20243962
Age 14 (rough estimate: 909 tests, 95% interval 23.8–29.5%)26.5% fail first time2024909
Age 15 (rough estimate: 1,323 tests, 95% interval 27.7–32.6%)30.1% fail first time20241323
Age 16 (rough estimate: 1,469 tests, 95% interval 29.2–33.9%)31.5% fail first time20241469
Age 1736.3% fail first time20242233
Age 1837.3% fail first time20243004
Age 1939.8% fail first time20242534

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What have dealers been told about the BMW X3? (US market)

NHTSA lists 715 US technical service bulletins for the BMW X3 (US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only); a count, not a UK failure rate.

bar · BMW X3 · US service bulletins · 715 vs NHTSA · NHTSA
NHTSA, US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only; covers 211 of 761 models, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (NHTSA)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
US service bulletins715bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201451bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201561bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201664bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201742bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201893bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 201982bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202092bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Full table
Further values · NHTSA
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Year 202174bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202262bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202343bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202422bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202515bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772
Year 202614bulletinsNHTSANHTSA104772

Source: NHTSA, US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What do owners complain about? (US market)

The most common US owner complaint about the BMW X3 to NHTSA concerns lamps & electrical: 247 complaints (US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only).

bar · BMW X3 · Lamps &amp; electrical · 247 vs baseline · NHTSA + 2024
NHTSA, US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only; covers 211 of 761 models, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (NHTSA + 2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps & electrical247complaintsNHTSA + 2024247
Engine (not MOT-tested)233complaintsNHTSA + 2024233
Body & structure82complaintsNHTSA + 202482
Brakes60complaintsNHTSA + 202460
Restraints58complaintsNHTSA + 202458
Transmission (not MOT-tested)56complaintsNHTSA + 202456

Source: NHTSA, US market, BMW X3 and its variants, model years 2015–2022 only; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA + 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the BMW X3 fail inspections in other countries too?

In Norway, 33.4% of BMW X3s failed their periodic roadworthiness inspection, against 33.7% for all cars there (2024 by country, n = 12,985 inspections).

Inspections abroad point the same way: in Norway, Finland and the Netherlands the BMW X3 also fails less often than the national average.

bullet · BMW X3 · Norway · 33.4 vs 33.7 · 2024 by country
Norway: 33.4 vs 33.7. Finland: 22.8 vs 26.3. Netherlands: 30.5 vs 50.8. Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024 by country)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Norway33.4% failed33.72024 by country12985
Finland22.8% failed26.32024 by country5867
Netherlands30.5% failed50.82024 by country9236

Source: Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models · Window: 2024 by country · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV · licences and full notice

Does the month of a BMW X3 MOT matter?

BMW X3s fail first time most in January (22.3%, against 31.1% for all cars that month) and least in September (19.6%) (2024, n = 104,772).

line · BMW X3 · January · 22.3 vs 31.1 · 2024
January: 22.3. December: 20.4. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
BMW X3: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
January22.3% fail first time31.1202442192
February21.9% fail first time30.0202438748
March21.2% fail first time28.3202445151
April22.0% fail first time29.8202427014
May20.7% fail first time28.8202432747
June19.8% fail first time28.1202439774
July21.6% fail first time29.3202439002
August20.4% fail first time29.2202444613
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
September19.6% fail first time28.2202458038
October22.1% fail first time30.3202453604
November21.9% fail first time30.6202452847
December20.4% fail first time29.3202440017

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Not enough tests for… (and why)

Real-world MPG against the official figure (manufacturer level)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 104,772 initial BMW X3 tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 104,772 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the BMW 3 Series, a car of the same inspection class with 4.8× the tests · Check your car by registration

How to cite this page

MOT Risk Index (2026). BMW X3 MOT statistics 2024 (data release dvsa-2024-v2; full dataset motriskindex-families-2024-v5, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22975051), updated 24 September 2026. motriskindex.co.uk/cars/bmw-x3/

How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.

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BMW X3 MOT: quick answers

What is the BMW X3 first-time MOT pass rate?

79.9% of first attempts passed in 2024 (104,772 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.

Why does this number differ from other sites?

Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 104,772 primary tests: 20.1% failed first time and 83.6% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 81.7 is shown separately.