1996 BMW 316: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 BMW 316?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 BMW 316 than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  BMW 316

  33% All 1996 cars

  17.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.5% of all 1996 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.

• Ball joint2.8× usual
  BMW 316

  11.3% All 1996 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.3% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  BMW 316

  10.2% All 1996 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses1.9× usual
  BMW 316

  10.4% All 1996 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Suspension arm2.9× usual
  BMW 316

  5.7% All 1996 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 1996 BMW 316 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 BMW 316 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  38% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  24% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 BMW 316

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1996 BMW 316 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1996 BMW 316 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1996 BMW 316 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?