MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 8-SERIESs year 1991

Review the list of common BMW 8-SERIES failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:64.91%

(The average a petrol BMW 8-SERIES year 1991 passes without issue)

Based on:2,112 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	218
Brake pipe excessively corroded	127
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	91
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	81
Registration plate issues	63
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	33
Registration plate lamp issues	33
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	32
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	27
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	19
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	18
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	17
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	16
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	16
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	15
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	14
Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	14
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	14
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	14
Rear brake binding	13
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	12
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	12
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	12
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	12
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	11
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	10
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	9
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	9
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	9
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Windscreen washer not working	8
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	8
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	7
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	7
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	6
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	6
Windscreen has damage	6
Nearside Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Front brake application uneven	6
Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	6
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	6
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	5
Offside Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	5
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Nearside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Indicator tell tale inoperative \|1.4.A.2a\|	4
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	4
Nearside Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	3
Nearside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	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
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	3
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Inner Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	3
Nearside Front Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	3
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	3
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	3
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Offside Rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.3.2f\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	3
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	3
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	3
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	3
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	3
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	3
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	3
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	3
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	3
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\|	3
Nearside Front Road wheel bead rim badly distorted \|4.2.A.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	3

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.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	218
Brake pipe excessively corroded	127
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	91
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	81
Registration plate issues	63
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	33
Registration plate lamp issues	33
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	32
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	27
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	19
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	18
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	17
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	16
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	16
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	15
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	14
Offside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	14
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	14
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	14
Rear brake binding	13
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	12
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	12
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	12
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	12
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	11
Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	10
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	9
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	9
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	9
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Windscreen washer not working	8
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	8
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	7
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	7
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	6
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	6
Windscreen has damage	6
Nearside Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Front brake application uneven	6
Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	6
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	6
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	5
Offside Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	5
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Nearside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Indicator tell tale inoperative \|1.4.A.2a\|	4
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	4
Nearside Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	3
Nearside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	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
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	3
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Inner Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Nearside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	3
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	3
Nearside Front Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	3
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	3
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	3
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Offside Rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.3.2f\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	3
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	3
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	3
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	3
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	3
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	3
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	3
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	3
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	3
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\|	3
Nearside Front Road wheel bead rim badly distorted \|4.2.A.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	3

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 8-SERIESs year 1991

Find us on Facebook