BMW 3 Series vs BMW 1 Series: MOT reliability compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
17.5%
BMW 1 Series MOT failure rate, 7.4 pts lower than BMW 3 Series
BMW 1 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 17.5% of BMW 1 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 7.4 point gap.
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | BMW 1 Series |
|---|---|---|
| MOT failure rate | 24.9% | 17.5% |
| Tests analysed | 12,881,046 | 995,170 |
| Most common failure | Suspension (32.4%) | Tyres (33.1%) |
Questions and answers
Which is more reliable, BMW 3 Series or BMW 1 Series?
BMW 1 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 17.5% of BMW 1 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 7.4 point gap.
What is the MOT failure rate of the BMW 3 Series?
24.9% of BMW 3 Series MOT tests result in a failure, from 12,881,046 tests.
What is the MOT failure rate of the BMW 1 Series?
17.5% of BMW 1 Series MOT tests result in a failure, from 995,170 tests.