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BMW 3 Series vs Volkswagen Passat

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 17.6% for the Volkswagen Passat.

BMW 3 Series

15.0%

fail at age 7

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

Volkswagen Passat

17.6%

fail at age 7

Rank 106 of 239 · 98k miles at 7 · 141,666 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 leakageAdvisory11.2%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakageFail4.9%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively wornAdvisory4.1%

A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakenedAdvisory1.9%

Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road usersAdvisory1.8%

Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunctionFail1.8%