BMW X4: what fails at MOT
37,000 MOT tests on the BMW X4 in 2024, counted. 11.4% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
11.4% of BMW X4 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 16.8%, so the X4 does better than most cars its age.
It fails most often on tyres (2.7% of tests), wipers, washers and windscreen (1.5% of tests) and lights and electrics (1.2% 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 | 3,654 | 8.0% | 10.9% | 27,800 20,700 to 34,900 |
| 2020 | 4,354 | 7.7% | 11.5% | 34,000 25,500 to 43,400 |
| 2019 | 9,318 | 8.9% | 13.4% | 40,100 31,400 to 51,900 |
| 2018 | 4,391 | 9.2% | 15.6% | 52,600 42,100 to 65,800 |
| 2017 | 4,251 | 14.7% | 18.2% | 59,000 47,800 to 74,700 |
| 2016 | 5,541 | 14.9% | 21.3% | 70,200 55,300 to 85,600 |
| 2015 | 4,204 | 16.2% | 24.4% | 77,300 63,300 to 95,200 |
| 2014 | 1,572 | 15.7% | 27.7% | 82,800 70,000 to 101,300 |
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 X4 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | X4 | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2.7% | 3.6% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 1.5% | 2.1% |
| Lights and electrics Less than most | 1.2% | 3.2% |
| Suspension Less than most | 1.0% | 2.2% |
| Brakes Less than most | 0.9% | 2.3% |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.5% | 0.9% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre1.9%
- Wipers1.0%
- Tyre tread0.9%
- Coil spring0.7%
- Brake pads0.6%
- Washers0.5%
- Engine warning light0.4%
- Headlamp aim0.4%
- Brake light0.2%
- Number plates0.2%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken0.7%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed0.6%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.5%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
- Tyre: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
- Brake light: not working0.2%
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 edge7.8%
- Brake pads: wearing thin3.2%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened1.5%
- Nail in tyre1.2%
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)1.2%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing1.2%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt1.2%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
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?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
Check a BMW X4's own MOT record
Looking at a X4? Type its registration to 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.