2007 Bmw X3 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 16,190 MOT tests analysed for the 2007 Bmw X3, the most common recorded failure areas were lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes. Its pass rate of 77.3% was above the average for mid-size SUVs of a similar age (72.6%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 24.2% in the 150k+ group versus 17.5% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 10.9% | 1,765 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.5% | 1,693 |
| 3 | Brakes | 8.7% | 1,414 |
| 4 | Visibility | 5.4% | 871 |
| 5 | Tyres | 5.2% | 839 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 3.9% | 635 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 891 |
| 2 | Coil spring | 712 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 674 |
| 4 | Washers | 578 |
| 5 | Position lamp | 437 |
| 6 | Anti-lock braking system | 392 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 27.1% | 4,385 |
| 2 | Suspension | 23.2% | 3,750 |
| 3 | Brakes | 21.0% | 3,407 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 15.1% | 2,446 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 9.4% | 1,521 |
| 6 | Other defects | 8.9% | 1,437 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 40 | 17.5% |
| 30-60k | 362 | 17.7% |
| 60-90k | 1,683 | 18.9% |
| 90-120k | 5,205 | 21.8% |
| 120-150k | 5,510 | 24.1% |
| 150k+ | 3,356 | 24.2% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 15,201 | 22.8% |
| Petrol | 983 | 22.0% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,089 | 22.9% |
| 2022 | 3,803 | 22.6% |
| 2023 | 3,335 | 22.5% |
| 2024 | 2,793 | 23.6% |
| 2025 | 2,170 | 21.8% |
What to check before buying a 2007 X3
Before buying a 2007 Bmw X3, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Lighting & signalling accounted for 10.9% of tests for this year.
- Lighting & signalling (10.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (10.5% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (8.7% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2007 Bmw X3s pass their MOT?
77.3% of the 16,190 2007 Bmw X3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 22.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2007 Bmw X3?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 10.9% of tests, followed by suspension (10.5%).
Does the 2007 X3 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 17.5% in the 0-30k band to 24.2% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 16,190 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.