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Bmw 123 vs Bmw 316: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Bmw 123
80%
MOT pass rate · 5,118 vehicles
More reliable
Bmw 316
69%
MOT pass rate · 157,337 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 123 is the more reliable of the two — 80% pass first time versus 69%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Head to head

Measure Bmw 123 Bmw 316
MOT pass rate 80% 69%
MOT failure rate 20% 31%
Faults & advisories per test 1.7 2.3
Dangerous-fault share 3% 1%
Average mileage 128,049 mi 124,177 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 5,118 157,337

Most common faults

Bmw 123

  1. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  2. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  5. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  6. Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Bmw 316

  1. Oil leak
  2. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
  5. Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
  6. Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 123 is the more reliable of the two — 80% pass first time versus 69%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Full Bmw 123 report Full Bmw 316 report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.