BMW 3 Series vs BMW 118 Series: MOT reliability compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
18.5%
BMW 118 Series MOT failure rate, 6.4 pts lower than BMW 3 Series
BMW 118 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 18.5% of BMW 118 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 6.4 point gap.
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | BMW 118 Series |
|---|---|---|
| MOT failure rate | 24.9% | 18.5% |
| Tests analysed | 12,881,046 | 1,955,032 |
| Most common failure | Suspension (32.4%) | Tyres (32.0%) |
Questions and answers
Which is more reliable, BMW 3 Series or BMW 118 Series?
BMW 118 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 18.5% of BMW 118 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 6.4 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 118 Series?
18.5% of BMW 118 Series MOT tests result in a failure, from 1,955,032 tests.