BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–2025): what fails at MOT
Across 26,319 MOT tests of the BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–2025) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 14.3% failed — about 1 in 7. The parts that fail most are tyres (8.9% of tests), lights and electrics (1.9%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.4%), brakes (1.2%) and suspension (0.5%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the 3 Series G20 has 3% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. That puts it last of the four BMW 3 Series generations on MOT results; the 3 Series F30 (2011–2019) does best.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
3 Series G20 (2019–2025)
MOT: 14.3% of 26,319 initial tests failed — 3% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 8.9% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 1.9% |
| 3 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 1.4% |
| 4 | brakes | 1.2% |
| 5 | suspension | 0.5% |
Questions
What fails most on a BMW 3 Series G20 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 8.9% of BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (1.9%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.4%).
How often does a BMW 3 Series G20 fail its MOT?
14.3% of BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 7), counting initial tests only, across 26,319 tests.
Is the BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–2025) reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW 3 Series G20 has 3% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this BMW 3 Series G20 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.