2012 BMW 3 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 3 models manufactured in 2012, based on 86 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2012 BMW 3 MOT Analysis
The 2012 BMW 3 has an MOT pass rate of 76.7% based on 86 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 85,107 miles on the odometer. With a 23.3% failure rate, the 2012 3 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2012 BMW 3 is Non-component advisories, responsible for 3.5% of failures. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs range from £100–400. Visibility is the second most common issue at 3.5%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 2.3%.
Top failures specific to 2012 models only. The overall 3 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-component Advisories | 3.5% | 3 |
| 2 | Visibility | 3.5% | 3 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 2.3% | 2 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 2.3% | 2 |
| 5 | Tyres | 2.3% | 2 |
| 6 | Suspension | 1.2% | 1 |
| 7 | Brakes | 1.2% | 1 |
| 8 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 1.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 85,107 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-component advisories | 0.41 | 3.5% | 3 |
| Visibility | 0.41 | 3.5% | 3 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.27 | 2.3% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.27 | 2.3% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.27 | 2.3% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.14 | 1.2% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.14 | 1.2% | 1 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.14 | 1.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2012 BMW 3 has an MOT pass rate of 76.7% based on 86 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 85,107 miles on the odometer. With a 23.3% failure rate, the 2012 3 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2012 BMW 3, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to non-component advisories: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights. With an average mileage of 85,107 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Non-component advisories — 3.5% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 3.5% of MOT failures on 2012 BMW 3 models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Visibility — 3.5% of failures
Visibility issues account for 3.5% of MOT failures on 2012 BMW 3 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 2.3% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 2.3% of MOT failures on 2012 BMW 3 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.