1994 BMW 316i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 BMW 316i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 BMW 316i than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  BMW 316i

  26.4% All 1994 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Tread depth2.5× usual
  BMW 316i

  18.9% All 1994 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Flexible brake hoses2.4× usual
  BMW 316i

  11.1% All 1994 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.9% of all 1994 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.

Common 1994 BMW 316i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 BMW 316i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  41% 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 electrics
  32% 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
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• 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 1994 BMW 316i

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1994 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1994 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1994 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?