MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1997

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:56.72%

(The average a petrol BMW BMW year 1997 passes without issue)

Based on:2,433 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	264
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	236
Headlamp aim out of alignment	160
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	140
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	104
Registration plate lamp issues	88
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	77
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	72
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	50
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	49
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	47
Registration plate issues	47
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	45
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	42
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	39
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	38
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	38
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	37
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	27
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	25
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	25
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	25
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	24
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	23
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	20
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	19
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	18
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	17
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	17
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	16
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	15
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	15
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	14
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	13
Rear brake binding	13
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Front brake application uneven	12
Windscreen has damage	12
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	10
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	10
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	9
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Brake hose damaged	8
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	7
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	7
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	6
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside 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
Rear Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	5
Centre Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside 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 component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	4
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	4
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	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 brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	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.

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	264
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	236
Headlamp aim out of alignment	160
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	140
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	104
Registration plate lamp issues	88
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	77
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	72
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	50
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	49
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	47
Registration plate issues	47
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	45
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	42
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	39
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	38
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	38
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	37
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	27
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	25
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	25
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	25
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	24
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	23
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	20
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	19
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	18
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	17
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	17
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	16
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	15
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	15
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	14
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	13
Rear brake binding	13
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Front brake application uneven	12
Windscreen has damage	12
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	10
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	10
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	9
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Brake hose damaged	8
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	7
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	7
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	6
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside 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
Rear Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	5
Centre Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside 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 component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	4
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	4
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	4
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	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 brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1997

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