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Bmw 3 series vs Bmw Kobra: 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 Kobra
64%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw Kobra (64%) 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 Kobra
MOT pass rate 75% 64%
MOT failure rate 25% 36%
Faults & advisories per test 2.0 3.3
Dangerous-fault share 2% 0%
Average mileage 128,558 mi 133,133 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 Kobra

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
  2. Front brake pads getting low
  3. Play in near side of steering rack
  4. Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (2.4.G.2)
  5. Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
  6. Front tyres wearing thin on the inner and outer edges .both sides

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw Kobra (64%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw Kobra 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.