2005 BMW X3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 BMW X3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 BMW X3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Airbag warning light3.2× usual
  BMW X3

  5.4% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.8× usual
  BMW X3

  7.8% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.2× usual
  BMW X3

  6.4% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.6% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-lock braking system2.8× usual
  BMW X3

  3.6% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Handbrake lever3.8× usual
  BMW X3

  2.3% All 2005 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2005 BMW X3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 BMW X3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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
  33% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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 mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 BMW X3 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2005 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?