MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1998

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:57.11%

(The average a petrol BMW BMW year 1998 passes without issue)

Based on:2,672 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	282
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	230
Headlamp aim out of alignment	200
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	145
Registration plate lamp issues	101
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	90
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	77
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	74
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	70
Registration plate issues	65
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	51
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	41
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	36
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	36
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	35
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	35
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	30
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	28
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	27
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	26
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	25
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	23
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	23
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	23
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	22
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	17
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	17
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	16
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	16
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	16
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	15
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	15
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	14
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	13
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	13
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	13
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	12
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	12
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	11
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	11
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	10
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Windscreen has damage	10
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	9
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	8
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	8
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	7
Rear brake binding	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Brake hose damaged	7
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	7
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	7
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Front brake application uneven	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	6
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	5
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	5
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	5
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	5
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	5
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	5
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	5
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	5
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	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
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	4
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	4
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|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	282
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	230
Headlamp aim out of alignment	200
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	145
Registration plate lamp issues	101
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	90
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	77
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	74
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	70
Registration plate issues	65
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	51
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	41
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	36
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	36
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	35
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	35
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	30
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	28
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	27
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	26
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	25
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	23
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	23
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	23
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	22
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	17
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	17
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	16
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	16
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	16
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	15
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	15
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	15
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	14
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	13
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	13
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	13
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	12
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	12
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	11
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	11
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	10
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Windscreen has damage	10
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	9
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	8
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	8
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	7
Rear brake binding	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Brake hose damaged	7
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	7
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	7
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Front brake application uneven	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	6
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	5
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	5
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	5
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	5
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	5
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	5
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	5
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	5
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	5
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	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
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	4
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	4
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	4

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW BMWs year 1998

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