2011 BMW 320: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 BMW 320s, from 132 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 132 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2011 BMW 320 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Suspension27% 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 electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes17% 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.
- 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 mirrors8% 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 (N47 diesel, 318d/320d)2.0 diesel (2007 on)
The 2.0 diesel's timing chain is at the back of the engine and is a known weak point. Replacing it costs around £1,000.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle from the back.
- Battery cable and blower wiring recallsAll engines
About 312,000 cars were recalled for a faulty positive battery cable and nearly 280,000 for a heater blower connector. Others covered side airbag wiring, the brake servo, the propshaft joint and VANOS units.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Misfires (N43 petrol, 320i)2.0 petrol
The 2.0 petrol can misfire from faulty injectors and coil packs.
At the viewing: Check for a rough idle or warning light.
- Oil leaks (six-cylinder petrol)Six-cylinder petrol
The six-cylinder petrols leak oil from the cam cover and the oil filter housing.
At the viewing: Look under the bonnet and the car for oil.
- Flat battery from the fuel filter heater (diesel)Diesel
A faulty fuel filter heater can drain the battery.
At the viewing: Ask whether it has had flat batteries.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Clutch and dual-mass flywheelManual gearbox
A faulty dual-mass flywheel can make the clutch seize. Both need replacing.
At the viewing: Feel for judder or a heavy, odd clutch, and listen for rattles at idle.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Clunks over bumps in the coldAll engines
Worn front anti-roll bar bushes clunk, more in cold weather.
At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
- Exhaust droneAll engines
A damaged exhaust flexi pipe drones when driving or idling.
At the viewing: Listen at idle and on the move.
Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)
Looking at a BMW 320?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 694 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 1,191 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 4,045 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 6,894 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 8,880 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 13,762 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 3,191 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 282 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 274 | Tyres 23% |
| 2013 | 289 | Tyres 25% |
| 2012 | 184 | Tyres 24% |
| 2010 | 115 | Tyres 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 BMW 320s registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score