Bmw 520 vs Bmw X3 m sport: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Bmw 520
78%
MOT pass rate · 156,398 vehicles
Bmw X3 m sport
81%
MOT pass rate · 133 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Bmw X3 m sport is the more reliable of the two — 81% pass first time versus 78%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Bmw 520 | Bmw X3 m sport |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% | 81% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 22% | 19% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.6 | 0.0 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% ✓ | 100% |
| Average mileage | 134,460 mi | 147,035 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 156,398 | 133 |
Most common faults
Bmw 520
- 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)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
Bmw X3 m sport
- Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Bmw X3 m sport is the more reliable of the two — 81% pass first time versus 78%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Bmw 520 report Full Bmw X3 m sport 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.