1987 BMW 325 I MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 325 I models manufactured in 1987, based on 56 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1987 BMW 325 I MOT Analysis
The 1987 BMW 325 I has an MOT pass rate of 69.6% based on 56 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 136,304 miles on the odometer. With a 30.4% failure rate, the 1987 325 I is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1987 BMW 325 I is Steering, responsible for 7.1% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Brakes is the second most common issue at 5.4%. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions follows at 1.8%.
Top failures specific to 1987 models only. The overall 325 I 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 | Steering | 7.1% | 4 |
| 2 | Brakes | 5.4% | 3 |
| 3 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 1.8% | 1 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.8% | 1 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 136,304 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.52 | 7.1% | 4 |
| Brakes | 0.39 | 5.4% | 3 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.13 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.13 | 1.8% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.13 | 1.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1987 BMW 325 I has an MOT pass rate of 69.6% based on 56 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 136,304 miles on the odometer. With a 30.4% failure rate, the 1987 325 I is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1987 BMW 325 I, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. With an average mileage of 136,304 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Steering — 7.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 7.1% of MOT failures on 1987 BMW 325 I models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Brakes — 5.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 5.4% of MOT failures on 1987 BMW 325 I 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).
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 1.8% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 1.8% of MOT failures on 1987 BMW 325 I models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.