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1989 BMW M635 MOT Pass Rate

Pass rate for M635 models manufactured in 1989, based on 179 real MOT test results.

67.0%
Pass Rate
33.0%
Fail Rate
179
Total Tests
102,138
Avg Mileage

Data from official DVSA MOT testing records

1989 BMW M635 MOT Analysis

The 1989 BMW M635 has an MOT pass rate of 67.0% based on 179 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 102,138 miles on the odometer. With a 33.0% failure rate, the 1989 M635 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.

The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 BMW M635 is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 2.8% of failures. 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 range from £5–50. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions is the second most common issue at 1.1%. Non-component advisories follows at 0.6%.

Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall M635 page may show different rankings.

What Fails Most

What Fails on This Car?

Click a category to see specific failure items.

View as table
MOT failure categories ranked by failure rate
RankFailure CategoryRate (%)Count
1Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment2.8%5
2Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions1.1%2
3Non-component Advisories0.6%1
4Body, Structure And General Items0.6%1

Failures per 10,000 Miles

avg. 102,138 mi

For 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.

Lamps & Electrical0.27% per 10K miEmissions & Exhaust0.11% per 10K miNon-component advisories0.05% per 10K miBody & Structure0.05% per 10K mi
View as table
Mileage-normalised failure rates by category
CategoryRate / 10K miRaw %Count
Lamps & Electrical0.272.8%5
Emissions & Exhaust0.111.1%2
Non-component advisories0.050.6%1
Body & Structure0.050.6%1

Mileage Statistics

102,138
Mean
128,793
Median
97,364
25th Percentile
144,286
75th Percentile
3.23% failures per 10K miles

Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.

About This Data

The 1989 BMW M635 has an MOT pass rate of 67.0% based on 179 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 102,138 miles on the odometer. With a 33.0% failure rate, the 1989 M635 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.

If you own or are considering buying a 1989 BMW M635, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 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. With an average mileage of 102,138 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.

Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 2.8% of failures

Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 2.8% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW M635 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.

Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 1.1% of failures

Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW M635 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.

Non-component advisories — 0.6% of failures

Non-component advisories issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW M635 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.

Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.

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