1993 BMW 316i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 BMW 316i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 BMW 316i than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  BMW 316i

  24.3% All 1993 cars

  12.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.9× usual
  BMW 316i

  11.2% All 1993 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.6% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 1993 BMW 316i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 BMW 316i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  36% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  18% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 BMW 316i

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1993 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1993 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?