Used car guide

2016 BMW M235I: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW M235I first registered in 2016: we looked at the 145 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 145 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

145MOTs of 2016 cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%)
6,800typical miles a year
30%had tyres flagged

Common 2016 BMW M235I MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 BMW M235I MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Brakes
    10% 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 electrics
    8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    6% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    5% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    4% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 BMW M235I

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW M235I?

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Other years

Every year of the BMW M235I compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022884Tyres 23%
20212,271Tyres 26%
20202,566Tyres 24%

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 M235I cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score