2011 BMW 3 Series: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 BMW 3 Seriess, from 24,841 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 2011 BMW 3 Seriess than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Shock absorbers2.5× usualBMW 3 Series18.8% All 2011 cars7.6%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.
Number plate lights: 0.6% here, against 8.1% of all 2011 cars. Track rod end: 0.7% here, against 5.3% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 BMW 3 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Suspension33% 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.
- Brakes26% 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.
- Lights and electrics20% 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 leaks11% 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 mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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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% |
| 2010 | 22,691 | Suspension 38% |
| 2009 | 20,166 | Suspension 40% |
| 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 2011 BMW 3 Seriess registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score