2015 BMW 316i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 316i first registered in 2015: we looked at the 442 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 442 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2015 BMW 316i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2015 BMW 316i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension10% 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 leaks8% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2015 BMW 316i
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 2.0 petrol and diesel
Timing chain wear
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.
- Diesel
Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Noisy differential
A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.
At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 BMW 316i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been checked or replaced, and have oil changes been on time?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 316i?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 316i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1,882 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 2,178 | Tyres 28% |
| 2005 | 189 | Brakes 46% |
| 2004 | 1,952 | Brakes 47% |
| 2003 | 2,050 | Brakes 44% |
| 2002 | 1,171 | Brakes 40% |
| 2001 | 1,022 | Brakes 43% |
| 2000 | 845 | Brakes 44% |
| 1999 | 745 | Brakes 44% |
| 1998 | 761 | Brakes 41% |
| 1997 | 717 | Brakes 38% |
| 1996 | 575 | Brakes 42% |
| 1995 | 431 | Brakes 43% |
| 1994 | 307 | Suspension 41% |
| 1993 | 276 | Brakes 40% |
| 1992 | 153 | Suspension 39% |
| 1991 | 231 | Brakes 26% |
| 1990 | 531 | Brakes 27% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 316i cars first registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score