Across 111,585 MOT tests of the BMW 4 Series in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 15.1% failed — about 1 in 7. The parts that fail most are tyres (8.2% of tests), lights and electrics (2.6%), brakes (2.1%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.7%) and suspension (1.5%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the BMW 4 Series has 28% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
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.
4 Series (2013–2025)
MOT: 15.1% of 111,585 initial tests failed — 28% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 8.2% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 2.6% |
| 3 | brakes | 2.1% |
| 4 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 1.7% |
| 5 | suspension | 1.5% |
Questions
What fails most on a BMW 4 Series at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 8.2% of BMW 4 Series MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (2.6%) and brakes (2.1%).
How often does a BMW 4 Series fail its MOT?
15.1% of BMW 4 Series MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 7), counting initial tests only, across 111,585 tests. Allowing for age and mileage, that is 28% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
Is the BMW 4 Series reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW 4 Series has 28% 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 4 Series 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.