BMW 3 Series G20/G21 (2019-present) reliability
BMW 3 Series G20/G21 built around 2020: about average at the MOT
BMW 3 Series G20/G21 models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a BMW 3 Series G20/G21?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on BMW 3 Series G20/G21 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on BMW 3 Series G20/G21 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 83,737 tests of 3 Series models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 9 petrol 3 Series cars registered in 2022 (10.9%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 3,058 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 3 Series G20/G21 MOTs (2.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 24,740 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 G20/G21 MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 24,740 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
G20/G21 fail rate by age
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 3 years old.
How the 3 Series G20/G21 compares
At each age below, see how the 3 Series G20/G21 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 121,757 tests across 19 BMW models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 G20/G21.
- 1
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.5%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.5%, against 5.7% for the BMW 3 Series G20/G21.
1,198 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.9%
- Dangerous
- 4.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.4%, against 5.7% for the BMW 3 Series G20/G21.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,003 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Tesla Model 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.1%
- Dangerous
- 9.5%
No clear edge over the BMW 3 Series G20/G21 on these figures.
21,865 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volvo S90
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.8%
- Dangerous
- 6.3%
No clear edge over the BMW 3 Series G20/G21 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,581 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
115 recalls in all17 of the 115 3 Series G20/G21 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 17 recalls
Top concerns
- Replace the engine starter motor
- Replace the passenger airbag
- Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 3 Series G20/G21 cars built around 2020
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,094 cars.
How 3 Series G20/G21 cars have aged
How 3 Series G20/G21 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as G20/G21 cars age
How each part holds up as G20/G21 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 4% | 4% | 7% |
| Brakes | 5% | 7% | 8% | 11% |
| Emissions | 3% | 5% | 3% | 1% |
| Tyres | 21% | 24% | 28% | 29% |
| Lighting | 1% | 2% | 3% | 5% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 271 to 1,820 cars at each age.
G20/G21 variants compared
3 Series G20/G21 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each 3 Series G20/G21 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- 32011.0%5,587 tests
- 3 SERIES10.4%2,079 tests
- 320I M SPORT AUTO11.1%422 tests
Hybrid electric
- 33011.4%5,653 tests
- 330E SE PRO AUTO10.7%840 tests
- 330E M SPORT AUTO12.1%629 tests
- 330E SPORT PRO AUTO13.8%565 tests
Diesel
- 3 SERIES12.7%4,994 tests
- 31812.5%862 tests
- 33010.2%637 tests
- 3209.3%353 tests
Unknown fuel
- 320D M SPORT MHEV AUTO12.4%468 tests
Most common issues on BMW 3 Series models of this age
This list covers every BMW 3 Series built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the G20/G21 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.6%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 36.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 43.7%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 52.3%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 24,740 tests
Looking at a BMW 3 Series G20/G21?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the BMW 3 Series G20/G21 (2019-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 24,740 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.