2005 BMW Z4 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 64.6% of BMW Z4s first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. Across 6,290 Z4 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, brakes and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW Z4s first used in 2005 (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 2005 BMW Z4 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Z4s first used in 2005 against all cars first used in 2005 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Z4 figure was 7.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2005 Z4 | All cars first used 2005 | Z4 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63.6% | 54.6% | 2,478 |
| 2022 | 63.8% | 55.7% | 2,369 |
| 2023 | 64.5% | 56.3% | 2,246 |
| 2024 | 66.7% | 56.5% | 2,096 |
| 2025 | 64.6% | 57.6% | 1,948 |
Common 2005 BMW Z4 MOT failures
Share of the 2,183 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | 14.8% | 323 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 14.0% | 305 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 11.1% | 243 |
| Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits | 7.8% | 171 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 7.6% | 166 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2005 BMW Z4 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.
- 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.
- 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 2005 BMW Z4 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2005 Z4s, as a share of all 6,290 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 22.4% | 1,407 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 17.9% | 1,123 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 14.2% | 893 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 10.2% | 641 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.9% | 495 |
Questions about the 2005 BMW Z4 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2005 BMW Z4?
In 2025, 64.6% of Z4s first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2005 Z4 most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 35.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (35.0%) and lamps and electrical equipment (31.4%). The single most common item was “SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault” (14.8%).
How often does a 2005 BMW Z4 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 35.4% of first tests on Z4s first used in 2005 did not pass first time: 30.2% failed, and a further 5.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,183 of 6,290 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2005 BMW Z4 MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 22.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (17.9%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (14.2%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (10.2%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.9%).
Is a 2005 BMW Z4 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 63.6% in 2021 to 64.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2005
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2005 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2005 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2005 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2005 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2005 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2005 Z4?
The numbers above cover every Z4 first used in 2005 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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