BMW M4: what fails at MOT
35,000 MOT tests on the BMW M4 in 2024, counted. 9.1% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
9.1% of BMW M4 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 18%, so the M4 does better than most cars its age.
It fails most often on tyres (2.3% of tests), suspension (1% of tests) and lights and electrics (0.5% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,708 | 5.4% | 10.9% | 19,300 13,100 to 25,700 |
| 2020 | 3,346 | 9.0% | 11.5% | 22,800 15,700 to 30,400 |
| 2019 | 4,918 | 7.4% | 13.4% | 28,300 20,600 to 36,600 |
| 2018 | 5,728 | 9.0% | 15.6% | 35,400 26,300 to 45,300 |
| 2017 | 5,161 | 11.9% | 18.2% | 40,600 29,700 to 51,100 |
| 2016 | 5,182 | 10.1% | 21.3% | 47,400 36,500 to 60,000 |
| 2015 | 5,162 | 8.0% | 24.4% | 54,200 42,500 to 67,100 |
| 2014 | 2,762 | 10.5% | 27.7% | 59,800 46,700 to 73,100 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of BMW M4 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | M4 | Cars its age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2.3% | 3.7% | Less than most |
| Suspension | 1.0% | 2.6% | Less than most |
| Lights and electrics | 0.5% | 3.6% | Less than most |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 0.4% | 2.2% | Less than most |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.1% | |
| Brakes | 0.3% | 2.5% | Less than most |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre2.1%
- Coil spring0.8%
- Tyre tread0.3%
- Number plates0.3%
- Headlamp aim0.3%
- Washers0.2%
- Ball joint0.2%
- Exhaust emissions0.1%
- Wipers0.1%
- Engine warning light0.1%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken0.8%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.6%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm0.3%
- Number plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.2%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.2%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.2%
- Ball joint: excessively worn0.2%
- Tyre: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.2%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.1%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge3.9%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened1.2%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing1.0%
- Nail in tyre0.8%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.5%
- Brake pads: wearing thin0.4%
- Engine oil: leak, but not excessive0.3%
- Coil spring: corroded0.3%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a BMW M4's own MOT record
Type the registration from the advert. You'll see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.