1990 BMW 318i Lux A MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 318i Lux A models manufactured in 1990, based on 37 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1990 BMW 318i Lux A MOT Analysis
The 1990 BMW 318i Lux A has an MOT pass rate of 43.2% based on 37 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 121,008 miles on the odometer. With a 56.8% failure rate, the 1990 318i Lux A is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1990 BMW 318i Lux A is Brakes, responsible for 16.2% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Non-component advisories is the second most common issue at 2.7%. Suspension follows at 2.7%.
Top failures specific to 1990 models only. The overall 318i Lux A page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 16.2% | 6 |
| 2 | Non-component Advisories | 2.7% | 1 |
| 3 | Suspension | 2.7% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 121,008 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.34 | 16.2% | 6 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.22 | 2.7% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.22 | 2.7% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1990 BMW 318i Lux A has an MOT pass rate of 43.2% based on 37 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 121,008 miles on the odometer. With a 56.8% failure rate, the 1990 318i Lux A is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1990 BMW 318i Lux A, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With an average mileage of 121,008 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 16.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 16.2% of MOT failures on 1990 BMW 318i Lux A models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Non-component advisories — 2.7% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1990 BMW 318i Lux A 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.
Suspension — 2.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1990 BMW 318i Lux A models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.