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MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 3-SERIESs year 1981

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:56.53%
(The average a petrol BMW 3-SERIES year 1981 passes without issue)
Based on:1,424 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Registration plate lamp issues91
Headlamp aim out of alignment84
Brake pipe excessively corroded69
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|68
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively61
Brake hose excessively deteriorated60
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|52
Brakes imbalanced across an axle46
Registration plate issues43
Hazard warning switch faulty |1.4.B.1d|41
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|37
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort37
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|36
Rear brake binding33
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|32
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|31
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|29
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|28
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|24
Nearside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|22
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|22
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|21
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|20
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|20
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|20
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel |3.1.6b|19
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|19
Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|17
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|17
Offside Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|17
Offside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|17
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|17
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|15
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|15
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released13
Battery insecure |1.9.1|13
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|13
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive |7.3.B.1b|13
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|12
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|12
Horn not working |1.6.2a|12
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|12
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|12
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|12
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on |1.4.B.1f|12
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off |1.4.B.1f|12
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|11
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|11
Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|11
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|10
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|10
Front brake application uneven10
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|10
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|9
Nearside Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|9
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|9
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|9
Hazard warning lamps inoperative |1.4.B.1b|9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|9
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement9
Rear Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|8
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|8
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|8
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|8
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|8
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|8
Offside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|8
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure |3.6.B.3|8
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|8
Rear brake application uneven8
Offside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|7
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|7
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|7
Windscreen washer not working 7
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|7
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|7
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure |3.6.B.3|7
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|7
Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|6
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|6
Exhaust engine idle speed too high |7.3.A.2a|6
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|6
Windscreen wiper blade insecure6
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|6
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly |1.4.B.1e|6
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|6
Offside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|6
Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|6
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|6
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|6
Offside Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|6
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|5
Emissions not tested |7.0|5
Offside Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|5
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))5
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|5
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|5
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|5
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|5
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|5
Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|5
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|5
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|5
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|5
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|5
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|5
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|5
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|4
Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|4
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))4
Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|4
Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|4
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|4
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|4
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|4
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|4
Windscreen has damage4
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|4
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))4
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|4
Offside Front Brake hose leaking |3.6.A.1|4
Centre Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|4
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|4
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))4
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|4
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|4
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|4
Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|4
Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))4
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|4
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|4
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Fuel tank leaking |7.2.3|4
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|4
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))3
Nearside Inner Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Front Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure |3.3.B.1a|3
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|3
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))3
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.2.C.1h|3
Offside Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))3
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user |1.6.2b|3
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|3
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|3
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))3
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))3
Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|3
Power steering pump drive system defective |2.3.6|3
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|3
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement |7.2.4b|3
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|3
Nearside Front An item not tested |Manual|3
Indicator tell tale inoperative |1.4.A.2a|3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside |1.8|3
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside |1.8|3
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|3
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|3
Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|3
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))3
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|3
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|3
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear front brake binding |3.7.B.1|3
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|3
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Rear Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|3
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|3
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)3
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|3
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|2
Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|2
Brake performance not tested |3.7.A.1|2
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|2
Nearside Front Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|2
Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level |3.6.G.1b|2
Nearside Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|2
Brake pedal spongy |3.3.B.1b|2
Fuel system component leaking |7.2.3|2
Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier |4.13 |a| |ii||2
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|2
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Centre Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))2
Offside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|2
rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|2
Nearside Inner Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Centre Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|2
Front Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|2
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel |steering rack fitted| |2.2.A.1b|2
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))2
Steering rack insecure |2.2.B.1a|2
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|2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |4.1.1 |a| |ii||2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))2
Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))2
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|2
Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit (4.13 (a) (ii))2
Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))2
Offside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|2
Nearside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.4|2
Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|2
Rear Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))2
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only |3.1.2|2
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|2
Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|2
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|2
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|2
Stop lamp not working both |1.2.1b|2
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|2
Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Inner Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working |1.3.1b|2
Rear Fuel hose leaking |7.2.3|2
Nearside Front Body or chassis has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Direction indicator missing |1.4.A.2b|2
Nearside Front Electrical wiring insecure |1.9.2a|2
Offside Front Electrical wiring insecure |1.9.2a|2
Rear An item not tested |Manual|2
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Brake servo insecurely mounted |3.6.A.2a|2
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush |2.5.B.2b|2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush |2.5.B.2b|2
Rear Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Offside Headlamp aim not tested |1.8.A.1c|2
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|2
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|2
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|2
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|2
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Nearside front brake juddering severely |3.7.A.2b|2
Emissions not tested |8.2.1.2 |d||2
Nearside Rear Brake pipe leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Fuel system component insecure |7.2.1|2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision worn smooth |3.3.A.1b|2
Nearside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Vehicle structure has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Rear front brake binding |3.7.B.1|2
Offside Steering rack gaiter insecure |2.2.D.2d|2
Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|2
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded boot floor |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |4.1.1 |a| |ii||2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|2
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)2
Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)2
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement |3.3.A.5|2
Offside Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|2

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.

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