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BMW X3 F25 (2010-2016) reliability

At a glance

BMW X3 F25 built around 2016: about average at the MOT

BMW X3 F25 models built around 2016 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X3 F25?

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

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on BMW X3 F25 models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW X3 F25 models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

BMW X3 F25
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2010-2016SUVDIESEL

Based on 50,323 tests of X3 models registered 2010-2016.

About 1 in 30 X3 F25 MOTs (3.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 10,211 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 X3 F25 MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 10,211 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F25 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,55517.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,21117.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,54718.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,40221.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
8,99522.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
7,19422.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,92821.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
49122.2%

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 X3 F25 compares

At each age below, see how the X3 F25 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 160,988 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,55517.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,21117.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,54718.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,40221.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
8,99522.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
7,19422.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,92821.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
49122.2%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X3 F25.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.3%, against 17.5% for the BMW X3 F25, both built around 2016.

    1,846 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.3%, against 17.5% for the BMW X3 F25, both built around 2016.

    4,025 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 11.6%, against 17.5% for the BMW X3 F25, both built around 2016.

    4,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz GLE

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    77%

    Lower fail rate: 11.6%, against 17.5% for the BMW X3 F25, both built around 2016.

    4,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

94%of all BMW X3 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

57 recalls in all

14 of the 57 X3 F25 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Replace the driver’s airbag – Takata PSDI-5
  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel X3 tests (not specific to F25).

1.4 to 2.0 litres17.9%8,350 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres15.7%1,852 tests
How X3 F25 cars have aged

How X3 F25 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%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (6,829 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (6,678 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (6,570 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (6,465 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (6,275 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (5,031 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (4,917 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (4,849 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (4,657 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (4,613 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (5,012 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (4,961 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (4,824 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (4,772 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (4,652 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (5,783 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (5,682 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (5,492 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (5,340 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (5,246 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (5,504 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (5,272 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (5,232 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (4,930 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (4,766 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (2,958 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (2,855 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (2,725 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (2,551 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (2,376 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (677 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (610 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (578 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (531 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (491 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
F25 variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW X3 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X3 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F25 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

    19.8%
    Advisory: 3,149Fail: 247 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.4%
    Advisory: 1,106Fail: 152 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    7.4%
    Advisory: 497Fail: 440 (47% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.2%
    Advisory: 547Fail: 211 (28% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    5.0%
    Advisory: 711Fail: 87 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 10,211 tests

Looking at a BMW X3 F25?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the BMW X3 F25 (2010-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 10,211 9-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 50,323 MOT tests on BMW X3 models first registered between 2010-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.