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Bmw 3 series vs Bmw D: 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 D
61%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw D (61%) 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 D
MOT pass rate 75% ✓ 61%
MOT failure rate 25% ✓ 39%
Faults & advisories per test 2.0 ✓ 2.2
Dangerous-fault share 2% 0% ✓
Average mileage 128,558 mi 192,897 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 996,044 1

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 D

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
  3. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit needs urgent attention (4.1.E.1)
  4. Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)
  5. Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
  6. Nearside Rear Wheel bolt(s) missing (4.2.A.1e)

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw D (61%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw D 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.