Bmw 3 series vs Bmw 435: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Bmw 3 series
75%
MOT pass rate · 996,044 vehicles
Bmw 435
87%
MOT pass rate · 13,680 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 435 is the more reliable of the two — 87% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Bmw 3 series | Bmw 435 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 87% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 13% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.0 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% ✓ | 8% |
| Average mileage | 128,558 mi | 78,424 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 996,044 | 13,680 |
Most common faults
Bmw 3 series
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Bmw 435
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
- Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 435 is the more reliable of the two — 87% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw 435 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.