Used car guide

2014 BMW 316: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 BMW 316s, from 1,469 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,469MOT tests in 2025
76%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%)
8,900typical miles a year
5.1×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 BMW 316s than on all cars registered in 2014.

  • Steering rack inner joints5.1× usual
    BMW 316
    7.6% All 2014 cars
    1.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Braking performance: 1.8% here, against 4% of all 2014 cars.

By area

The share of 2014 BMW 316 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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.

  • Brakes
    25% 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.

  • Suspension
    18% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Steering
    9% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Timing chain wear
    2.0 petrol and diesel

    The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.

    At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

  • Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)
    Diesel

    Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.

    If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

  • Noisy differential

    A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.

    At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

Looking at a BMW 316?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2017747Tyres 28%
2015684Tyres 30%
20131,219Tyres 30%
2004506Brakes 49%
2003550Brakes 45%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 BMW 316s registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score