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BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 (2012-2018) reliability

At a glance

BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34
excellent reliability2012-2018SaloonDIESEL / PETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 261,456 tests of 3 Series models registered 2012-2018.

About 1 in 40 3 Series F30/F31/F34 MOTs (2.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 31,268 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 3 Series F30/F31/F34 MOTs (5.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 31,268 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F30/F31/F34 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
10,96911.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
31,26813.1%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
36,16014.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
38,07115.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
38,21218.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
41,95420.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
42,21023.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
22,61224.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the 3 Series F30/F31/F34 compares

At each age below, see how the 3 Series F30/F31/F34 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 156,618 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
10,96911.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
31,26813.1%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
36,16014.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
38,07115.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
38,21218.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
41,95420.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
42,21023.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
22,61224.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 3 Series F30/F31/F34.

  1. 1

    Jaguar XE

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    6%

    No clear edge over the BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 on these figures.

    8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volvo S90

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    5.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 on these figures.

    2,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Alfa Romeo Giulia

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    No clear edge over the BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 on these figures.

    2,110 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.7%, against 5.8% for the BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34.

    10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

90%of all BMW 3 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

115 recalls in all

19 of the 115 3 Series F30/F31/F34 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 14 more

Top concerns

  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
  • A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is
  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel 3 Series tests (not specific to F30/F31/F34).

1.4 to 2.0 litres13.1%14,027 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres12.8%4,511 tests
How 3 Series F30/F31/F34 cars have aged

How 3 Series F30/F31/F34 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (20,614 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (19,124 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (17,831 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (17,207 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (16,796 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (24,377 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (22,698 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (22,019 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (21,329 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (20,807 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (24,185 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (23,210 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (22,542 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (21,969 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (21,397 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (23,832 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (23,115 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (22,407 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (21,741 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (21,206 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (24,993 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (24,265 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (23,790 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (23,055 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (22,550 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (26,829 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (26,267 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (25,297 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (24,342 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (23,322 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (27,356 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (26,745 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (25,416 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (24,067 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (22,612 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
F30/F31/F34 variants compared

3 Series F30/F31/F34 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each 3 Series F30/F31/F34 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • 32013.1%8,808 tests
  • 3 SERIES13.1%5,098 tests
  • 33512.0%1,401 tests
  • 31812.8%1,393 tests
  • 33013.2%1,200 tests
  • 31613.9%633 tests

Petrol

  • 32011.6%2,987 tests
  • 3 SERIES11.5%2,148 tests
  • 31814.8%1,923 tests
  • 340I7.6%301 tests
  • 33013.9%201 tests

Hybrid electric

  • 33014.3%4,080 tests
  • 3 SERIES16.5%1,068 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW 3 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 3 Series built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F30/F31/F34 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.5%
    Advisory: 9,656Fail: 842 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.8%
    Advisory: 3,388Fail: 426 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    6.5%
    Advisory: 2,125Fail: 431 (17% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.8%
    Advisory: 1,462Fail: 977 (40% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.7%
    Advisory: 2,490Fail: 38 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 31,268 tests

Looking at a BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 (2012-2018) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 31,268 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 261,456 MOT tests on BMW 3 Series models first registered between 2012-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.