2020 BMW 3 Series (first used 2020) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 87.3% of BMW 3 Series cars first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. Across 66,419 3 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, lamps and electrical equipment and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen).
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 3 Series cars first used in 2020 (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 2020 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 3 Series cars first used in 2020 against all cars first used in 2020 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 3 Series figure was 1.3 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2020 3 Series | All cars first used 2020 | 3 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 84.7% | 135 |
| 2022 | 90.0% | 90.2% | 1,150 |
| 2023 | 84.6% | 87.7% | 22,822 |
| 2024 | 86.2% | 86.9% | 22,296 |
| 2025 | 87.3% | 86.0% | 21,301 |
Common 2020 BMW 3 Series MOT failures
Share of the 9,293 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 19.6% | 1,823 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 15.0% | 1,390 |
| Tyre condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | 13.9% | 1,294 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 12.1% | 1,129 |
| Headlamp aim: too high | 7.0% | 646 |
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.
What to check on a 2020 BMW 3 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
Common 2020 BMW 3 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2020 3 Series cars, as a share of all 66,419 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 14.6% | 9,679 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 4.1% | 2,714 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 2.3% | 1,539 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 2.2% | 1,486 |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | 2.2% | 1,446 |
Questions about the 2020 BMW 3 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2020 BMW 3 Series?
In 2025, 87.3% of 3 Series cars first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2020 3 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 60.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (13.8%) and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (9.8%). The single most common item was “Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (19.6%).
How often does a 2020 BMW 3 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 12.7% of first tests on 3 Series cars first used in 2020 did not pass first time: 11.1% failed, and a further 1.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 9,293 of 66,419 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2020 BMW 3 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 14.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (4.1%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (2.3%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (2.2%) and “Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt” (2.2%).
Is a 2020 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 90.0% in 2022 to 87.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2020
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2020 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2020 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2020 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2020 MINI Hatch MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2020 3 Series?
The numbers above cover every 3 Series first used in 2020 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.