Bmw 3 series vs Bmw 525d: 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 525d
73%
MOT pass rate · 37 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw 525d (73%) 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 525d |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 73% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 27% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.0 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% ✓ | 3% |
| Average mileage | 128,558 mi | 157,892 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 996,044 | 37 |
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 525d
- Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
- Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
- Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
- Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw 525d (73%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw 525d 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.