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BMW 3 Series vs BMW 5 Series

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

There is little between them on reliability: 15.0% of BMW 3 Series first MOTs and 14.4% of BMW 5 Series first MOTs are failed at age 7.

BMW 3 Series

15.0%

fail at age 7

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

BMW 5 Series

14.4%

fail at age 7

Rank 41 of 239 · 80k miles at 7 · 165,074 tests

What each one fails on

Measured

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

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%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageAdvisory10.7%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageFail2.3%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory2.2%

Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road usersAdvisory1.7%

A transmission shaft flexible coupling excessively deterioratedAdvisory1.6%

A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deterioratedMinor1.1%