MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1996

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

mot history

Pass percent:54.79%

(The average a petrol BMW BMW year 1996 passes without issue)

Based on:1,659 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	203
Headlamp aim out of alignment	148
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	132
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	100
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	90
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	63
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	61
Registration plate lamp issues	51
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	45
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	42
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	41
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	37
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	36
Registration plate issues	36
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	28
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	27
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	27
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	22
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	22
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	19
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	19
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	19
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	17
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	16
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	15
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	14
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Windscreen has damage	13
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	13
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	13
Rear brake binding	13
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	12
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	11
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	11
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	10
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	9
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	8
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	8
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	4
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	4
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	4
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	4
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Rear coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	4
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	4
Nearside Front All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Lower 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
Rear brake application uneven	3
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Front Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	3
Offside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Inner Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	3
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	3
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only \|3.1.2\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure \|8.1.1\|	3
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	3
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	3
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	3
Upper Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Front brake application uneven	3
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	3
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	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
Brake pipe excessively corroded	203
Headlamp aim out of alignment	148
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	132
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	100
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	90
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	63
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	61
Registration plate lamp issues	51
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	45
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	42
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	41
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	37
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	36
Registration plate issues	36
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	28
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	27
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	27
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	22
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	22
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	19
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	19
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	19
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	17
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	16
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	15
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	14
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Windscreen has damage	13
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	13
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	13
Rear brake binding	13
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	12
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	11
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	11
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	10
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	9
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	8
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	8
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	4
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	4
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	4
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	4
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Rear coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	4
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	4
Nearside Front All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	3
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Lower 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
Rear brake application uneven	3
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Front Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	3
Offside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Inner Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	3
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	3
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only \|3.1.2\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure \|8.1.1\|	3
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	3
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	3
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	3
Upper Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	3
Front brake application uneven	3
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	3
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1996

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