MOT failure rate and common problems for the BMW M550i, and how to check your own car by registration.
Updated 05 September 2026.
BMW M550i MOT failure rate
What a BMW M550i fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.
What it fails on, and why
Tyres fail for tread below the 1.6mm legal limit across the central three-quarters, uneven or exposed-cord wear, or sidewall damage. The tester inspects all four; a single illegal tyre is a fail.
This covers a range of smaller items, from a non-working horn to a warning light left on.
Exhaust failures cover leaks, insecure mountings and emissions over the limit. A blowing exhaust, a failed lambda reading or a diesel that smokes beyond the limit will fail.
A missing, damaged, dirty or incorrectly-spaced number plate, or one using the wrong font, will fail. A replacement plate is inexpensive.
Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.
Visibility failures include torn or smearing wiper blades, a washer jet that does not reach the screen, and chips or cracks in the driver's swept area. Blades and washer fluid are quick, cheap fixes.
Failure rate by year
The parts that fix each
If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.
Other models
Questions and answers
What is the MOT failure rate of the BMW M550i?
It fails 13.2% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 756 tests.
What do these cars fail their MOT on most?
The most common failure area is tyres, at 65.0% of this model's failures.
Does MOT failure rate change with the year of the car?
Yes. In this model the failure rate ranges from about 11.6% for the best year to 17.0% for the worst.