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Bmw 3 series vs Bmw 435 i: 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 i
81%
MOT pass rate · 2 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw 435 i (81%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Bmw 3 series Bmw 435 i
MOT pass rate 75% 81% ✓
MOT failure rate 25% 19% ✓
Faults & advisories per test 2.0 1.3 ✓
Dangerous-fault share 2% ✓ 11%
Average mileage 128,558 mi 55,696 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 996,044 2

Most common faults

Bmw 3 series

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  6. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Bmw 435 i

  1. Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened on inner surface, advise replacement (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
  2. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge on inner edge, advise early replacement (5.2.3 (e))
  3. Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened on inner surface, advise replacement (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
  4. Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
  5. 225/40R19 - BRIDGESTONE POTENZR S 001 RFT
  6. Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords INNER SHOULDER (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw 435 i (81%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw 435 i 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.