BMW 3 Series vs BMW 520 Series: MOT reliability compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
21.5%
BMW 520 Series MOT failure rate, 3.4 pts lower than BMW 3 Series
BMW 520 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 21.5% of BMW 520 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 3.4 point gap.
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | BMW 520 Series |
|---|---|---|
| MOT failure rate | 24.9% | 21.5% |
| Tests analysed | 12,881,046 | 1,671,688 |
| Most common failure | Suspension (32.4%) | Suspension (31.2%) |
Questions and answers
Which is more reliable, BMW 3 Series or BMW 520 Series?
BMW 520 Series is the more reliable MOT performer: 21.5% of BMW 520 Series MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 3.4 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 520 Series?
21.5% of BMW 520 Series MOT tests result in a failure, from 1,671,688 tests.