2009 BMW 3 Series: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 BMW 3 Seriess, from 20,166 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 BMW 3 Seriess than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Shock absorbers2.3× usualBMW 3 Series17.5% All 2009 cars7.5%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Flexible brake hoses4× usualBMW 3 Series12% All 2009 cars3%Rough price £50–£200
At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
- Windscreen1.6× usualBMW 3 Series5.4% All 2009 cars3.4%Rough price £60–£300
At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.
Number plate lights: 0.7% here, against 8.8% of all 2009 cars. Coil springs: 4.9% here, against 12.4% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 BMW 3 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension40% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes35% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics21% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Looking at a BMW 3 Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 11,430 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 8,504 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 24,243 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 30,049 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 29,426 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 31,654 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 30,461 | Suspension 32% |
| 2011 | 24,841 | Tyres 34% |
| 2010 | 22,691 | Suspension 38% |
| 2008 | 19,093 | Suspension 42% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 BMW 3 Seriess registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score