2009 BMW 3 Series (first used 2009) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 66.8% of BMW 3 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 68,546 3 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 3 Series cars first used in 2009 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 3 Series cars first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 3 Series figure was 8.5 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 3 Series | All cars first used 2009 | 3 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 67.8% | 60.5% | 28,114 |
| 2022 | 67.1% | 60.1% | 26,956 |
| 2023 | 66.6% | 59.0% | 25,345 |
| 2024 | 65.9% | 58.4% | 22,811 |
| 2025 | 66.8% | 58.3% | 20,390 |
Common 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT failures
Share of the 23,014 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 16.9% | 3,893 |
| Position lamp: not working | 14.3% | 3,283 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.0% | 2,292 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 8.8% | 2,032 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 7.7% | 1,773 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · opens our free car check — no sign-in needed.
Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 3 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2009 BMW 3 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 3 Series cars, as a share of all 68,546 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.6% | 14,126 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 12.3% | 8,424 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 10.3% | 7,079 |
| Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated | 8.7% | 5,969 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.0% | 5,495 |
Questions about the 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 BMW 3 Series?
In 2025, 66.8% of 3 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 3 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 38.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (34.2%) and brakes (28.8%). The single most common item was “Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak” (16.9%).
How often does a 2009 BMW 3 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 33.2% of first tests on 3 Series cars first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 27.2% failed, and a further 6.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 23,014 of 68,546 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (12.3%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (10.3%), “Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated” (8.7%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.0%).
Is a 2009 BMW 3 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 67.8% in 2021 to 66.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 3 Series?
The numbers above cover every 3 Series first used in 2009 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · no sign-in needed.