Bmw 3 series vs Bmw R5: 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 R5
91%
MOT pass rate · 6 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw R5 (91%) 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 R5 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 91% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 9% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 0.5 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 128,558 mi | 18,953 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 996,044 | 6 |
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 R5
- Offside Front brake fluid level a little low
- Offside Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)
- Central Front Throttle has a significant change in engine speed whilst moving the steering from lock to lock when turning left (2.1.4)
- Offside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (2.3.3)
- Nearside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (2.3.3)
- Nearside Front Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion (2.3.3)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Bmw 3 series (75%) and Bmw R5 (91%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Bmw 3 series report Full Bmw R5 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.