2012 BMW 7 Series (first used 2012) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 83.8% of BMW 7 Series cars first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. Across 2,530 7 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, tyres and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 7 Series cars first used in 2012 (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 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 7 Series cars first used in 2012 against all cars first used in 2012 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 7 Series figure was 20.3 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2012 7 Series | All cars first used 2012 | 7 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 80.3% | 68.8% | 1,008 |
| 2022 | 81.6% | 67.4% | 954 |
| 2023 | 81.4% | 65.6% | 903 |
| 2024 | 82.5% | 64.3% | 848 |
| 2025 | 83.8% | 63.5% | 779 |
Common 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT failures
Share of the 442 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 17.0% | 75 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 7 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2012 BMW 7 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- 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.
Common 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2012 7 Series cars, as a share of all 2,530 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.1% | 433 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 9.5% | 240 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 6.4% | 163 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 6.2% | 158 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 6.1% | 154 |
Questions about the 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2012 BMW 7 Series?
In 2025, 83.8% of 7 Series cars first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2012 7 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 41.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), tyres (36.4%) and lamps and electrical equipment (14.9%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (17.0%).
How often does a 2012 BMW 7 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 16.2% of first tests on 7 Series cars first used in 2012 did not pass first time: 13.0% failed, and a further 3.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 442 of 2,530 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 17.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (9.5%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (6.4%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (6.2%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (6.1%).
Is a 2012 BMW 7 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 80.3% in 2021 to 83.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2012
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2012 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2012 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2012 7 Series?
The numbers above cover every 7 Series first used in 2012 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.
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