1995 BMW 316i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 BMW 316i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 BMW 316i than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  BMW 316i

  26.2% All 1995 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2% of all 1995 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.

• Ball joint3.5× usual
  BMW 316i

  13.2% All 1995 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.3% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses2.6× usual
  BMW 316i

  13.2% All 1995 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack inner joints2.8× usual
  BMW 316i

  7.7% All 1995 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1995 BMW 316i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 BMW 316i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% 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
  43% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  26% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  22% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 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 1.9× as often on the 1995 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1995 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1995 BMW 316i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?