MOT reliability data, sourced from DVSA
BMW MOT pass rate & reliability
BMW is the UK's second best-selling brand in 2026. Here's what DVSA's own test data shows across 3.6 million real MOT results.
MOT reliability data, sourced from DVSA
BMW is the UK's second best-selling brand in 2026. Here's what DVSA's own test data shows across 3.6 million real MOT results.
79.3%
BMW MOT pass rate
72.4%
UK national average
+6.9pt
vs. national average
#2
UK sales rank, H1 2026
A large, genuinely representative sample
BMW's result covers 3.6 million MOT tests, everything from high-mileage 3 Series diesels to low-mileage X5s.
Source: Brumble analysis of DVSA's 2025 MOT test year data, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What this means
BMW's 79.3% pass rate sits well above the national average and level with Jaguar among premium brands, behind only Porsche. That's a striking result given the sheer size and variety of the sample, 3.6 million tests covering everything from well-worn diesel 3 Series company cars to pampered SUVs.
Worth noting: the 3 Series specifically, BMW's highest-volume model, tests slightly below the brand's overall average at 72.55%, closer to the national average than BMW's premium positioning might suggest. Electrical faults and turbo issues that dominate owner forum complaints tend to be inconveniences rather than MOT-relevant safety defects, which is part of why BMW's forum reputation and its actual MOT data don't always line up.
Frequently asked questions
BMW has a 79.3% MOT pass rate based on DVSA's 2025 test year data, well above the national average of 72.4%.
Yes, based on DVSA data specifically. BMW's MOT pass rate is among the highest of any high-volume brand, consistent with independent reliability surveys that also rank BMW as the only European manufacturer in some global top-ten reliability lists.
Check any specific BMW's MOT history, tax status, and advisories by registration number.
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