Bmw 5 Series vs Saab 9-3
On MOT-testable defects, the Bmw 5 Series (fail rate 15.7%) performed better than the Saab 9-3 (25.5%) across comparable years. The biggest divergence was suspension, where the 9-3 recorded failures more often.
15.7%
5 Series fail rate
25.5%
9-3 fail rate
9.78pp
Difference
Side by side
| Metric | Bmw 5 Series | Saab 9-3 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests analysed | 1,245,116 | 277,061 |
| Pass rate | 84.3% | 74.5% |
| Fail rate | 15.7% | 25.5% |
Where they differ
| Category | 5 Series | 9-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 5.5% | 13.0% |
| Lighting & signalling | 5.3% | 10.5% |
| Body, structure & corrosion | 0.0% | 4.9% |
| Brakes | 3.4% | 8.2% |
| Visibility | 2.6% | 0.0% |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 5.5% |
Methodology & source. 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.