87.0%
pass rate across 103,163 tests
85.2% first-time pass rate
85,272 mi median at test
BMW 3 Series 2015 vs 2018
The same model, 3 years apart, compared on 131,558 real MOT tests. The raw pass rate mostly measures age; the like-for-like row and the mileage bands show what survives that adjustment.
89.0%
pass rate across 28,395 tests
87.8% first-time pass rate
53,348 mi median at test
The short answer
The 2018 3 Series passes more — but most of it is age
Across 131,558 tests, the 2018 3 Series passes 89.0% of MOTs and the 2015 87.0%. The 2018 cars are 3 years newer and were tested at a median 53,348 miles against 85,272, so part of that gap is simply age and use. Against what their age and mileage predict, the 2018 is +1.1 points and the 2015 +4.9 — a like-for-like gap of −3.8 points. Most of the raw advantage disappears once the two are matched. Typical repair bills are £42–£102 on the 2015 and £44–£103 on the 2018. The two bills are close. Repairs under £30 account for 20% of the 2015's recorded faults and 14% of the 2018's. Both years fail most often on windscreen. The 2018 sample is 28,395 tests, so treat the gap as indicative rather than settled.
- Pass rate: 87.0% vs 89.0%
- Tests: 103,163 vs 28,395
- Like-for-like: +4.9 vs +1.1 pts
- Median mileage: 85,272 vs 53,348 mi
- Typical repair: £42–£102 vs £44–£103
- Cheap fixes: 20% vs 14%
| Measure | 2015 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests on record | 103,163 | 28,395 |
| Pass rate, all MOTs | 87.0% | 89.0% stronger figure |
| First-time pass rate | 85.2% | 87.8% stronger figure |
| Against the UK average | +4.9 pts stronger figure | +1.1 pts |
| Like-for-like, age and mileage adjusted | +4.9 pts stronger figure | +1.1 pts |
| Average mileage at test | 89,475 mi | 56,889 mi |
| Median mileage at test | 85,272 mi | 53,348 mi |
| Typical repair bill | £42–£102 stronger figure | £44–£103 |
| Repairs under £30 | 20% stronger figure | 14% |
| Most common failing part | Windscreen | Windscreen |
| Variants recorded | 1 | 1 |
| Main fuel | Diesel 87% | Diesel 57% |
A ✓ marks the stronger figure in each row. It compares the two model years, not either one against the national average.
What goes wrong most often
The most common priced failures on each year, as a share of that year's tests. Repair costs are estimates from UK parts data, not quotes.
2015 3 Series
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 3.0% £80–£200
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1.4% £45–£95
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.2% £45–£95
- Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak 1.0% £30–£75
- Has ply or cords exposed 0.9% £45–£95
2018 3 Series
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 2.4% £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.8% £45–£95
- Has ply or cords exposed 1.2% £45–£95
- Has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure 1.2% £45–£95
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 0.9% £45–£95
Does the gap hold at higher mileage?
Pass rate by the mileage recorded at test. If the lead shrinks in the high-mileage bands, part of the headline difference was a younger, lower-mileage sample.
| Mileage | 2015 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30,000 mi | 95.4% · 1,881 tests | 93.4% · 2,929 tests |
| 30,000–60,000 mi | 90.6% · 17,635 tests | 90.0% · 14,446 tests |
| 60,000–90,000 mi | 87.7% · 38,046 tests | 87.2% · 8,469 tests |
| 90,000–120,000 mi | 85.2% · 28,021 tests | 85.2% · 2,014 tests |
| 120,000+ mi | 83.8% · 17,567 tests | 83.1% · 534 tests |
What to check before you buy
2015 BMW 3 Series
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 3.0% of tests · £80–£200
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm — 1.4% of tests · £45–£95
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords — 1.2% of tests · £45–£95
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
2018 BMW 3 Series
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 2.4% of tests · £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords — 1.8% of tests · £45–£95
- Has ply or cords exposed — 1.2% of tests · £45–£95
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
Compare another pair of years for the BMW 3 Series? Pick two years →
Compare a different pair of years? Pick two years of the BMW 3 Series →
Or put the 3 Series against another model: Compare the BMW 3 Series side by side →