Used car guide

2016 BMW X3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 BMW X3s, from 8,948 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

8,948MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
8,400typical miles a year
13.8×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 BMW X3s than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Steering rack inner joints13.8× usual
    BMW X3
    11% All 2016 cars
    0.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 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.

  • Coil springs2.1× usual
    BMW X3
    8.6% All 2016 cars
    4.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Transmission oil leaks5.2× usual
    BMW X3
    2.6% All 2016 cars
    0.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2016 BMW X3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Suspension
    20% 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.

  • Brakes
    16% 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.

  • Steering
    12% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20227,442Tyres 21%
202110,679Tyres 23%
20207,575Tyres 23%
201915,680Tyres 24%
20188,148Tyres 25%
20178,054Tyres 26%
20157,025Tyres 26%
20146,052Tyres 28%
20137,109Tyres 28%
20126,659Suspension 29%
20113,844Suspension 30%
2010818Suspension 31%
20091,181Suspension 31%
20081,257Suspension 33%
20071,787Suspension 40%
20062,382Suspension 40%
20052,022Suspension 45%
20041,719Oil and fluid leaks 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 BMW X3s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score