Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series

Both are saloons & estates. First-time MOT failure at age 7, and what each one is known to fail on.

The BMW 3 Series is the more reliable of the two. It fails its first MOT at age 7 15.0% of the time, against 20.6% for the Audi A4.

Audi A4

20.6%

fail at age 7

Rank 154 of 239 · 73k miles at 7 · 178,525 tests

BMW 3 Series

15.0%

fail at age 7

Rank 54 of 239 · 74k miles at 7 · 354,823 tests

What each one fails on

Measured

The faults each records most at ages 6 to 9. Same figures as each full report.

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory19.2%

A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakenedFail7.5%

A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakenedAdvisory3.3%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageAdvisory2.8%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornFail1.8%

A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etcFail1.3%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageAdvisory5.5%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory5.3%

Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road usersAdvisory3.0%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageFail1.6%

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)Advisory1.4%

Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution.Advisory0.8%