BMW 2 Series MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the BMW 2 Series. Check any 2 Series by registration number below.

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81.2%

Avg Pass Rate

-8.7%

vs BMW Avg

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

BMW 2 Series — MOT Reliability Overview

The BMW 2 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 81.2%, which is 8.7 percentage points below the BMW brand average of 89.9%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 2 Series is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

The most common reasons a BMW 2 Series fails its MOT are the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen, a tyre cords visible or damaged. If you are preparing your 2 Series for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used BMW 2 Series, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the BMW 2 Series performs at MOT across different model years.

2021

Based on 880 vehicles

94.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

1.2%

Retest Rate

7.8%

Mileage at 3yr

33k mi

2020

Based on 7,955 vehicles

94.5%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

1.5%

Retest Rate

5.7%

Mileage at 3yr

30k mi

Mileage at 5yr

43k mi

2019

Based on 12,360 vehicles

92.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

2.1%

Retest Rate

8.9%

Mileage at 3yr

32k mi

Mileage at 5yr

51k mi

2018

Based on 20,670 vehicles

89.8%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

2.8%

Retest Rate

11.1%

Mileage at 5yr

59k mi

2017

Based on 10,732 vehicles

90.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

3.1%

Retest Rate

10.3%

Mileage at 5yr

65k mi

2016

Based on 7,699 vehicles

90.5%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

2.7%

Retest Rate

11.4%

2015

Based on 5,126 vehicles

87.9%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

2.9%

Retest Rate

14.8%

Mileage at 10yr

111k mi

2014

Based on 25,000 vehicles

0.8%Poor

BMW average: 89.9%

Dangerous Defects

0.0%

Retest Rate

0.1%

Mileage at 3yr

24k mi

Mileage at 5yr

40k mi

0

Based on 23,268 vehicles

90.0%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

38k mi

Top MOT Failures — BMW 2 Series

The most common reasons a BMW 2 Series fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

1.8%

Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

1.4%

A tyre cords visible or damaged

1.1%

Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements

0.9%

A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage

0.8%

BMW 2 Series Common Faults & Repair Costs

Where Failures Occur

The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.

Offside

3.3%

Nearside

3.3%

Front Offside

1.3%

Other BMW Models

Compare MOT reliability across BMW models.

BMW 420d Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

90.4% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d Sport

87.3% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d M Sport X Auto

87.0% pass rate

BMW 550

82.4% pass rate

BMW 316 I

89.0% pass rate

BMW 540i Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

75.6% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for BMW 2 Series

BMW 2 Series — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the BMW 2 Series MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW 2 Series?

The average MOT pass rate for the BMW 2 Series is 81.2% compared to the BMW average of 89.9%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a BMW 2 Series?

The most common MOT failures on the BMW 2 Series are: The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements (1.8%), Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen (1.4%), A tyre cords visible or damaged (1.1%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.

Is the BMW 2 Series reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 81.2%, the BMW 2 Series is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a BMW 2 Series?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a BMW 2 Series?

Typical mileage for the BMW 2 Series: 33,109 miles at 3 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 2 Series to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your BMW 2 Series's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.