2016 Bmw M4 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 9,876 MOT tests analysed for the 2016 Bmw M4, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, suspension and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 89.0% was above the average for cars of a similar age (86.0%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 14.8% in the 90-120k group versus 8.1% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.3% | 619 |
| 2 | Suspension | 3.0% | 293 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 1.4% | 134 |
| 4 | Other defects | 0.9% | 87 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.8% | 81 |
| 6 | Visibility | 0.8% | 77 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring | 249 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 173 |
| 3 | Registration plates | 138 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 102 |
| 5 | Ball joint | 67 |
| 6 | Catalyst emissions | 63 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 15.8% | 1,557 |
| 2 | Brakes | 7.7% | 758 |
| 3 | Other defects | 3.5% | 346 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 2.7% | 271 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.3% | 231 |
| 6 | Suspension | 1.9% | 188 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 2,608 | 8.1% |
| 30-60k | 5,486 | 11.7% |
| 60-90k | 1,589 | 12.8% |
| 90-120k | 169 | 14.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,091 | 10.5% |
| 2022 | 2,015 | 10.4% |
| 2023 | 1,988 | 11.5% |
| 2024 | 1,919 | 11.1% |
| 2025 | 1,863 | 11.4% |
What to check before buying a 2016 M4
Before buying a 2016 Bmw M4, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 6.3% of tests for this year.
- Tyres (6.3% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Suspension (3.0% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Lighting & signalling (1.4% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2016 Bmw M4s pass their MOT?
89.0% of the 9,876 2016 Bmw M4 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 11.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2016 Bmw M4?
Tyres, recorded in 6.3% of tests, followed by suspension (3.0%).
Does the 2016 M4 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 8.1% in the 0-30k band to 14.8% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 9,876 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.