MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Does the BMW Z3 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?

The BMW Z3 records 10.59 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 13.09 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−2.50, 95% interval −2.75 to −2.25). It ranks 573 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 Z3 by registration

What exactly fails on visibility?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the BMW Z3 is “Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen”, recorded 2,786 times in 2019–2024.

BMW Z3: most frequent visibility defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wordingItemsPer 100 tests
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen2,7863.48
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen2,1482.68
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view1,9172.39
Wiper blade defective7970.99
Obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or loose2550.32

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 80,101 (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 Z3 1998 · BMW Z3 1999 · BMW Z3 2000 · BMW Z3 2001 · BMW Z3 2002 · BMW Z3 2003 · BMW Z3 in the Netherlands · BMW Z3 by postcode area · BMW Z3 body, chassis and structure failures · BMW Z3 brakes failures · BMW Z3 vehicle identification failures · BMW Z3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · BMW Z3 noise, emissions and leaks failures · BMW Z3 road wheels failures · BMW Z3 seat belts and airbags failures · BMW Z3 steering failures · BMW Z3 suspension failures · BMW Z3 tyres failures