2016 BMW X3 — MOT failures & pass rate
51,918 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW X3 are in this dataset, and 86.8% of them passed. That is effectively the same as mid-size SUVs of a similar age (13.7% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in tyres, suspension and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (5.2%) and suspension (4.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are coil spring, headlamp aim and tread depth — coil spring alone was recorded 1,840 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 17.4% versus 7.7%.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 21.4% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 10.8% of tests failed in 2021 against 14.8% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 5.2% | 2,688 |
| 2 | Suspension | 4.6% | 2,371 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 3.5% | 1,843 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.5% | 1,278 |
| 5 | Brakes | 2.3% | 1,196 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 0.5% | 275 |
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 | 1,840 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 1,273 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 1,213 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 1,165 |
| 5 | Wipers | 915 |
| 6 | Washers | 564 |
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 | 21.4% | 11,108 |
| 2 | Brakes | 15.3% | 7,948 |
| 3 | Other defects | 14.4% | 7,477 |
| 4 | Suspension | 7.6% | 3,950 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.7% | 1,916 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 2.8% | 1,438 |
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 | 4,152 | 7.7% |
| 30-60k | 23,045 | 11.7% |
| 60-90k | 17,699 | 14.8% |
| 90-120k | 5,545 | 17.8% |
| 120-150k | 1,203 | 17.1% |
| 150k+ | 270 | 17.4% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 51,884 | 13.2% |
| Petrol | 34 | 8.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,321 | 10.8% |
| 2022 | 10,348 | 12.8% |
| 2023 | 10,438 | 13.7% |
| 2024 | 10,421 | 14.1% |
| 2025 | 10,390 | 14.8% |
What to check before buying a 2016 X3
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: tyres accounted for 5.2% of tests. Start there.
- Tyres (5.2% 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 (4.6% 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 (3.5% 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 X3s pass their MOT?
86.8% of the 51,918 2016 BMW X3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 13.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2016 BMW X3?
Tyres, recorded in 5.2% of tests, followed by suspension (4.6%).
Does the 2016 X3 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.7% in the 0-30k band to 17.4% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 51,918 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.