MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 3-SERIESs year 1982

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:59.89%

(The average a petrol BMW 3-SERIES year 1982 passes without issue)

Based on:3,161 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	226
Registration plate lamp issues	225
Brake pipe excessively corroded	153
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	152
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	122
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	122
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	118
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	102
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	89
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	83
Registration plate issues	68
Rear brake binding	62
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	60
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	52
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	43
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	40
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	39
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	39
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	39
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	35
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	35
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	33
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	33
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	32
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	30
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	29
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	29
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	29
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	26
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	26
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	26
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	26
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	25
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	25
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	24
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	24
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	24
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	24
Rear brake application uneven	23
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	22
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	21
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	20
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	20
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	20
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	20
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	20
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	19
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	19
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	19
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	19
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	18
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	17
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	16
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	16
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	16
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	16
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	15
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	15
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	15
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	15
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	15
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	14
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	14
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	14
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Front brake application uneven	13
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	13
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	13
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	13
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	12
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	12
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	11
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	11
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	11
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	11
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	11
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	10
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Steering rack insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	9
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	9
Windscreen has damage	9
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	9
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	9
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	9
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	9
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	9
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	8
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	8
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	8
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	8
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	7
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	7
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	7
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	7
Brake pedal anti-slip provision worn smooth \|3.3.A.1b\|	7
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	7
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	7
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	7
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	6
Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	6
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	6
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Indicator tell tale inoperative \|1.4.A.2a\|	6
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	6
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Steering locking device missing \|2.2.C.1g\|	6
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	5
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	5
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	5
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	5
Windscreen washer not working	5
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	5
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete \|3.3.A.1b\|	5
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	5
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	5
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	5
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	5
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	5
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
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\|	4
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	4
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	4
Nearside Steering rack gaiter insecure \|2.2.D.2d\|	4
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	4
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	4
Nearside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	4
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	4
Offside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	4
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	4
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	4
Service brake efficiency below requirements \|1.2.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	4
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
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\|	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Offside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	4
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Nearside Inner Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Front Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	4
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	4
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	4
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	4
Offside Front An item not tested \|Manual\|	4

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 1982

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