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BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes E-Class

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 16.5% for the Mercedes E-Class.

BMW 3 Series

15.0%

fail at age 7

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

Mercedes E-Class

16.5%

fail at age 7

Rank 86 of 239 · 87k miles at 7 · 199,865 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 suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory7.3%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornFail2.5%

Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunctionFail2.3%

A wheel bearing with excessive playAdvisory1.9%

Any fracture or welding defect on a wheelFail1.3%

A wheel badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mountingAdvisory1.1%