MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 3-SERIESs year 1980

Review the list of common BMW 3-SERIES failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:56.48%

(The average a petrol BMW 3-SERIES year 1980 passes without issue)

Based on:494 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Registration plate lamp issues	42
Headlamp aim out of alignment	35
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	25
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	19
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	18
Brake pipe excessively corroded	18
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	15
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	15
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	14
Rear brake binding	13
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	10
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	10
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	10
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	9
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Registration plate issues	6
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	6
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	5
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Windscreen washer not working	5
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	4
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Rear brake application uneven	4
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	4
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Windscreen has damage	3
Centre Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	3
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	3
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	3
Offside Headlamp aim not tested \|1.8.A.1c\|	3
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	3
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	3
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	3
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	2
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.6.2b\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Front passenger seat insecure \|6.2.3\|	2
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported \|3.6.B.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	2
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	2
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	2
Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	2
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Inner Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	2
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	2
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Body or chassis has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Headlamp aim so that beam "kick up" is not visible on the screen \|4.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Nearside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	2
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	2
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	2
Indicator tell tale inoperative \|1.4.A.2a\|	2
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	2
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	2
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	2
Rear Stop lamp not working Off side and near side \|1.2.1b\|	2
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Inner Front brake caliper has restricted free movement \|3.5.1k\|	1
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	1
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement \|3.3.A.5\|	1
Offside Rear Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	1
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Fuel pipe excessively damaged \|7.2.2\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged likely to lead to failure under load \|5.2.4a\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Headlamp incorrect colour \|1.7.5b\|	1
Nearside Rear Axle beam has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam \|2.5.A.1a\|	1
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	1
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Inner Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Inner Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Outer Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged \|3.6.B.4d\|	1
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	1
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)	1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)	1
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)	1
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	1
Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	1
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Nearside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	1
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Inner Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Inner Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))	1
Nearside Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	1
Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Nearside Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength in wheel arch \|5.3.6 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Brake reservoir fluid level decreases after several pedal applications \|3.3.C.1\|	1
Nearside Front Coil spring not correctly located \|2.4.C.2\|	1
Offside Front Coil spring not correctly located \|2.4.C.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Coil spring not correctly located \|2.4.C.2\|	1
Offside Rear Coil spring not correctly located \|2.4.C.2\|	1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has an inadequate repair which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Nearside Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Windscreen washer control is inaccessible to the driver \|8.2.1a\|	1
Windscreen wiper control is inaccessible to the driver \|8.2.1a\|	1
Brake servo leaking \|3.6.C.1c\|	1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	1
Offside Rear Exhaust silencer insecure exhaust rubber missing (8.1.1 (b) (i))	1
Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))	1
Brake lever has abnormal movement of levers indicating excessive wear or maladjustment (1.1.15 (f))	1
Floor in such a condition it is likely to cause loss of control of the vehicle under accelerator pedal. (6.2.4 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	1
Offside Rear Rear reflector excessively damaged so that its function is impaired \|1.5.1c\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	1
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	1
Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))	1
Offside Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Rear Coil spring insecure \|5.3.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Rear Coil spring insecure \|5.3.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.5 \|b\| \|i\|\|	1
Brake performance not tested \|1.2.1 \|g\|\|	1
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means \|7.2.4b\|	1
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Drag link end fractured and unserviceable \|2.2.C.1d\|	1
Nearside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension damaged \|2.4.G.4a\|	1
Rear brake disc excessively scored \|3.5.1h\|	1
Nearside Outer Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Inner Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the seat \|5.2.1a\|	1
Offside Front Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Front Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))	1
Offside Front Floor excessively deteriorated (6.2.4 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.12 (c) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Track rod end modification unsafe (2.1.3 (f) (i))	1
Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))	1
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm locating pin locking device missing \|2.4.G.3b\|	1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	1
Steering retaining device missing \|2.2.C.1g\|	1
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	1
Offside Outer Front Steering locking device missing \|2.2.C.1g\|	1
Offside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Hazard warning switch insecure \|1.4.B.1d\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	1
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))	1
Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	1
Headlamp does not operate immediately when selected on dipped beam both \|1.7.4a\|	1
Offside Rear Fuel system component insecure pump \|7.2.1\|	1
front brake binding both \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Front Suspension arm locating pin locking device missing \|2.4.G.3b\|	1
Offside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Upper Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Body or chassis is damaged, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Body or chassis is damaged, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Inner Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached split pin missing \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Steering locking device missing \|2.1.3 \|d\|\|	1
Offside Steering locking device missing \|2.1.3 \|d\|\|	1
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|1.1.2 \|c\|\|	1
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Nearside Inner Front Brake pipe inadequately supported \|3.6.B.1\|	1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	1
Offside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Offside An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	1
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	1
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade missing \|8.2.2\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel both rear service brake (1.2.1 (a) (i))	1
Rear Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel both rear park brake (1.3.1 (a) (i))	1
Brake pivot has restricted free movement \|3.5.1k\|	1
Nearside Front Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Exhaust emits clearly visible black smoke during acceleration \|8.2.1.2 \|g\|\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced \|7.1.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced \|7.1.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side \|1.4.1 \|a\|\|	1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded inner sill \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|4.4.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Stop lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.2.1d\|	1
Offside Stop lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.2.1d\|	1
An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Body insecure and dangerous to other road users \|6.1.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Offside Inner Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Towbar component insecure \|6.6.1\|	1
Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	1
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	1
Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	1
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Outer Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Body has a projection caused by damage FRONT BUMPER MOUNTINGS \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded DRIVERS DOOR STEP \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases REAR BOX \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	1
Power steering component\|s\| leaking STEERING RACK \|2.3.3b\|	1
Offside Front Direction indicator insecure \|1.4.A.2b\|	1
Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Offside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel \|1.2.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Rear Parking \|secondary brake\| on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel \|1.3.1 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	1
Exhaust tailpipe not capable of allowing the emission probe to be inserted \|7.3.B.1\|	1
Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Inner Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Inner Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is deliberately modified which significantly reduces the original strength \|2.4.A.3\|	1
front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Offside Rear Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Road wheel bead rim badly distorted \|4.2.A.1a\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Offside Rear front brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	1
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	1
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect Off side and near side \|1.8.A.1b\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Inner wheel arch \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Outer sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Front brake excessively fluctuating	1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 3-SERIESs year 1980

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